Adsorption of Pb(II) from aqueous solutions on dithizone-immobilized coal fly ash

Adsorption of Pb(II) ions onto selective adsorbent of dithizone-immobilized coal fly ash (DCFA) from Holcim, Cilacap, Indonesia has been investigated in batch experiments. Prepared coal fly ash (CFA) modified by immobilization of dithizone previously were characterized by FT-IR and XRD. Several parameters influencing the adsorption of Pb(II) ions such as effect of pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time and initial concentration of ions on the efficiency of the adsorption were studied. The optimum condition of Pb(II) adsorption was found at pH 5, adsorbent dosage 0.1 g, contact time 60 min and initial Pb(II) ions concentration of 60 mg L-1. The adsorption kinetics of Pb(II) ions on DCFA was found to follow a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The adsorption isotherm data were fitted to the Langmuir model. Kinetics and adsorption isotherm studies suggest that the capacity and affinity of the DCFA in adsorbing Pb(II) ions is significantly improved compared to those of non-immobilized activated coal fly ash (ACFA). © 2020 Trans Tech Publications Ltd, Switzerland.