Sorption of Ni(II) Ions from Aqueous Solution by Lewatit Cation-exchange Resin

Ion-exchange is an alternative process for uptake of heavy metals from aqueous solutions. In the present study, the sorption of nickel(II) ions from aqueous solution was investigated by using Lewatit MonoPlus SP 112 (strongly acidic, macroporous cation-exchange resin) in a batch adsorption system as a function of pH (2.0-8.0), initial nickel concentration (50-200 mg/L), resin dosage (0.5-2.0 g/L), contact time (0.5-3h), and temperatures (298-318K). The data were analyzed on the basis of Lagergren pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order (Types 1-5), Elovich and external, Weber-Morris intraparticle, pore-surface mass diffusion models. The experimental data showed that the maximum pH for efficient sorption of nickel(II) was 6.0. At the optimal conditions, nickel(II) ions sorption on the resin was decreased when the initial metal concentration increased. The results indicated that the resin dosage strongly affected the amount of nickel(II) ions removed from aqueous solution. The adsorption process was very fast due to 80% of nickel(II) sorption was occurred within 30 min and equilibrium was reached at about 90 min. Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherm models were used for sorption equilibrium data and the maximum adsorption capacity (171 mg/g) of Lewatit MonoPlus SP 112 was obtained from Langmuir isotherm. The thermodynamic parameters (DeltaG degrees, free energy change; DeltaS degrees, enthalpy change; and DeltaH degrees, entropy change) for sorption of nickel(II) ions were evaluated. The rise in temperature caused a partly increase in the value of the equilibrium constant (K(c)) for the sorption of nickel(II) ions. Moreover, column flow adsorption study was also studied. Breakthrough curves were obtained from column flow studies by using both synthetic solution and rinsing bath water of filter industry. The column regeneration was carried out for two sorption-desorption cycles. The eluant used for regeneration of the cation-exchange resin was 7% (w/w) HCl. The experimental results demonstrated that Lewatit MonoPlus SP 112 cation-exchange resin could be used effectively for the removal of nickel(II) ions from aqueous medium.