Applicability of the modified diatomite for treatment of wastewater containing heavy metals

Abstract

The paper studies various modifications of diatomite, aiming at creating sorbents for wastewater purification from heavy metal ions. Diatomite of the Akhmatovskoe deposit of the Penza region was considered as a raw material. The processes of physical and chemical modification of diatomite were investigated. Adsorption isotherms were constructed, quantitative characteristics of adsorption of copper ions on the surface of modified sorbents were obtained. A chemical modification (acidic and alkaline) is proposed, which results in an increased adsorption capacity for heavy metal ions. The applicability of diatomite for the purification of highly concentrated wastewater containing heavy metals is shown.