Adsorptive removal of copper (II) from aqueous solutions using low cost Moroccan adsorbent. Part I: Parameters influencing Cu(II) adsorption

Treated Martil sand (TMS) is proposed as a mineral sorbent for removal of copper ions from aqueous solutions. TMS was characterized by different techniques such as XRF, XRD, FTIR, SEM, and BET. The effects of pH, adsorbent dosage, ionic strength, temperature, and contact time were investigated. Binding Cu(II) was found to be highly pH dependent. The thermodynamic analysis indicated that the adsorption was endothermic and the computation of the parameters, H°, S° and G°, indicated that the interaction was thermodynamically favorable. In general, the results indicated that TMS is suitable as a sorbent material for adsorption of Cu(II) from aqueous solutions for its high effectiveness and low cost. Keyword: Martil sand, Copper(II), Adsorption, Low cost adsorbent, Thermodynamic.