Equilibrium Sorption of Heavy Metals (Pb, Cu. Zn, Cd) onto Scoria

Scoria is a bomb-sized, generally vesicular pyroclast that is red or black in color and light in weight. In this study, scoria from Cheju was examined for the use as a sorbent. It is composed of plagioclase, olivine, hornblende, pyroxene, and glass, with an average composition of 49.84% SiO$_2$, 14.07% A1$_2$O$_3$, End 9.14% Fe$_2$O$_3$. Studies on kinetic isotherm sorption of Zn(II) onto scoria under various parameters such as initial zinc concentration, particle size, and adsorbent/adsorbate ratio were carried out using an agitated batch. The results suggest that the smaller scoria size and the larger adsorbent/adsorbate ratio produce the higher degree of Zn(II) removal. More effective removal also appears at lower initial Zn concentration. The sorption behavior of Zn(II) onto scoria seems to be mainly controlled by cation exchange. Studies on equilibrium isotherm sorption of other heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Cd) onto scoria were also conducted and compared with those onto powdered activated carbon (PAC) and non-organic matter scoria (NOS), The results suggest that the Cheju scoria has the slightly higher sorption capability than PAC and NOS, and the order of the effective sorption onto scoria and PAC is Pb > Cu > Zn > Cd. The monometal sorption onto scoria is more stronger than the competitive sorption.