Evaluation of Adsorption Capacity by Ceramic Filter Made of Palygorskite and Vinger Yeast to Heavy Metals Ions

Abstract

In this study, ceramic filter (CF) was produced from a mixture of Iraqi raw materials. This ceramic mixture was prepared using paligorskiet as a Clay, Porcelanite as a Silica, and Limestone as a flux. Viger yeast was used as an additive to the raw materials.
Physical properties of the produced CF were measured. The hydraulic conductivity of the produced was measured. The average hydraulic conductivity of the produced CF was 110 times that of commercial types of ceramic filters.
The mineral composition of the produced ceramics was found by X-Ray tests. Tests results showed that all of the produced ceramics filters composed mainly of low Cristobalte and Tridoymite in addition to some of other minerals.
The results showed that CF has excellent adsorption ability for solutes of four heavy metals, Cd, Co, Fe, and Zn, at concentrations of 1 mg/leach and 10 mg/l each. The adsorption capacities of each filter to adsorb four heavy metals were computed according to kinematic energy models. They were Langmuir model and Freundlich models. The results showed variety in adsorption capacities for each heavy metal.