Removing Nickel and Zinc from aqueous environments using modified cocopeat

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study is to investigate the potential of Cocopeat to removal Ni and Zn from aqueous solutions.In this study, the Cocopeat materials were pretreated separately with 0.4 mol/L NaOH, 0.4 mol/L HNO3 and bi distillated water. After the materials were prepared, their adsorption capacity was compared with each other. Bath adsorption experiments were carried out in primary concentrations of ionic Ni and Zn and also the effect of pH variations and adsorbent dosage were obtained. Adsorption of metals ions on modified cocopeat determined with Langmuir and Freundlichʹs models. The results showed that the best method for Ni and Zn removing was to use Modified Cocoapeat by acid. In addition, in this study the maximum Ni and Zn adsorption were obtained 44 and 50 mg/l in acidic solution respectively. Other finding showed that Langmuir model was identified as the best Isotherm model for the two metals. In comparing the parameters of models, it was obtained that the high capacity and the force of adsorption of Cocopeat were more for Zn than Ni and the adsorption of metals with adsorbent was single layer. Finally according to the results and also regarding the low price of Cocopeat, its easy preparation and modification and its adsorption capacity, Cocopeat is a good adsorbent for Zn and Ni.