Characterization of Bottom Ash as an Adsorbent of Lead from Aqueous Solutions

This study investigated the potential of using bottom ash to be used as an adsorbent for the removal of lead (Pb) from aqueous solutions. The physical and chemical characteristics of bottom ash were determined, with a series of leaching and adsorption experiments performed to evaluate the suitability of bottom ash as an adsorbent material. Trace elements were present, such as silicon and aluminum, indicating that the material had a good adsorption capacity. All heavy metals leached during the Korea standard leaching test (KSLT) passed the regulatory limits for safe disposal, while batch adsorption experiments showed that bottom ash was capable of adsorbing Pb (experimental $q_e$ = 0.05 mg/g), wherein the adsorption rate increased with decreasing particle size. The adsorption data were then fitted to kinetic models, including Lagergren first-order and Pseudo-second order, as well as the Elovich equation, and isotherm models, including the Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherms. The results showed that pseudo-second order kinetics was the most suitable model for describing the kinetic adsorption, while the Freundlich isotherm best represented the equilibrium sorption onto bottom ash. The maximum sorption capacity and energy of adsorption of bottom ash were 0.315 mg/g and 7.01 KJ/mol, respectively.