Removal of Antimony(III) from Aqueous Solutions Using Copper-zinc Alloy Filter Media

The adsorption behaviors of antimony (III) by copper-zinc alloy filter media (KDF) have been investigated by batch and column experiments. In the batch experiment, the effects of KDF dosage, contact time, and solution pH on Sb(III) removal were examined. Under the optimum conditions, the removal percentage is over 95.0 % at room temperature. In the column experiment, the effects of flow rate, bed height, and some foreign ions on Sb(III) removal were explored. It was found that the removal percentage is over 95.0 % under the optimum conditions, and HCO 3 and CO 2 had positive effects on the Sb(III) removal, while Ca 2+ , Na + , Cl , NO 3 and SO 2 had negligible effects. Additionally the KDF column for Sb(III) removal could be repeatedly used three times and its removal ability could be effectively recovered by a simple washing process with water. KDF exhibits a good performance for the Sb(III) removal from contaminated waters.