Adsorption of Cu2+ ions on humic acids

Commercial samples of humic acids (Fluka AG) were used to evaluate the adsorption behaviour of Cu2+ ions. The mathematical model described by Langmuir's adsorption equation was applied and the values of the maximum adsorption capacity b and those of the constant related to the bonding energy a were obtained. Aliquots of copper nitrate solutions with different copper concentrations were added to the humic acid suspensions at constant pH values (4.0 and 5.0). The Langmuir isotherms presented two distinct adsorption regions, showing that the adsorptive phenomenon occurs in two distinct steps according to the copper-humic site interaction. Samples of humic acids showed higher maximum adsorption capacity at pH 5 than at pH 4, while the constant a related to bonding energy was higher at pH 4.