Removal of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, zinc, nickel and iron) from water by bio-ceramic absorbers of hydroxy-apatite microparticles

Heavy metals are highly poisonous in the environment, even in small quantities, and endanger certain species and all live beings. Current methods of removing heavy metals from aqueous media include chemical sequestration, ion exchange, surface absorption, membrane processes, oxidation and revival procedures which have high investment and exploitation costs. Hence, it is significantly necessary to develop new and economical methods for effective removal of these metals from water and sewage. The present paper aims to evaluate efficiency of microparticles in removing heavy metals from water. Results of application of hydroxy-apatite microparticles as absorbers of heavy metals show that the absorption percentage average of lead (84.72%) by hydroxy-apatite microparticles is greater than that of cadmium (49.89%), zinc (72.90%), iron (74.50%) and nickel (79.25%).