Innovative adsorption of lead and copper using recycled concrete in aqueous solutions
-
Hiba Ferhat
,
Sihem Benaissa
Abstract
The main objective of this study was to investigate the potential use of concrete debris generated from construction and demolition waste at the Technical Landfill Centre (TLC) for eliminating copper and lead ions from synthetic solutions. To assess its suitability, the physicochemical characteristics of the debris were thoroughly examined, including its cation exchange capacity (CEC) and pH at the zero-charge point (pH PZC). Various characterization methods were employed, such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to predict the functional groups. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was applied to determine the crystalline structure of the materials and identify the phases present, while BET surface area analysis and scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) were also used to gain a comprehensive understanding of the concrete debris. Key parameters evaluated included solution pH, initial metal ion concentration, adsorbent mass, stirring speed, and temperature, all analyzed to determine their influence on adsorption capacity. Optimal removal conditions were identified as pH 5.5 for lead and pH 5 for copper, with agitation speeds of 300 and 400 rpm, contact times of 20 and 15 min, and adsorbent masses of 0.3 and 0.4 g for copper and lead, respectively. Furthermore, A kinetic analysis of adsorption was conducted to identify the mechanisms of the process by fitting experimental data to various models. Additionally, different isotherms were utilized to accurately fit the equilibrium adsorption. The results indicate that adsorption is best represented by the Langmuir model. The use of thermodynamics in the removal process revealed that this procedure was endothermic and spontaneous.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to warmly thank Algeria’s Direction Générale de la Recherche Scientifique et du Développement Technologique (DGRSDT), part of the Ministère de l’Enseignement Supérieur et de la Recherche Scientifique (MESRS), for their invaluable support of this study. The authors also extend their heartfelt thanks to the Institute of Material Science at the University of Valencia and the University of Tlemcen for their valuable contributions and assistance throughout this research project.
-
Research ethics: This research did not involve human participants or animals, and thus ethical approval was not required.
-
Informed consent: Not applicable. This study did not involve human participants.
-
Author contributions: Doctoral Mebarak-Haddad provided the debris samples. Doctoral student Ferhat H. carried out laboratory manipulations under the guidance of Dr. Mohammed-Azizi. Clara Maria Gomez carried out SEM/EDX, BET and DRX characterizations. Ghezlane Berrahou carried out the FTIR analyses. Dr Benaissa helped interpret FTIR, DRX and SEM characterization results. Dr Maachou drafted the article. Pr Lefkir and Pr Amrane performed a general reading of the manuscript and made modifications.
-
Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: No AI, large language models, or machine learning tools were used in the development of this manuscript.
-
Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
-
Research funding: This research received no external funding.
-
Data availability: The experimental data supporting this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
References
[1] F. Garvida, “Optimization and characterization of Tilapia Nilotica fish scales for enhanced adsorption of lead and copper from aqueous solutions,” Ph.D. thesis, Rizal Technological Univ., Mandaluyong City, Philippines, 2024. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.14947.57126.Suche in Google Scholar
[2] L. P. M. S. Kouakou, et al.., “Use of two clays from Côte d’Ivoire for the adsorption of methyl red from aqueous medium,” Chem. Phys. Lett., vol. 810, no. November 2022, pp. 1–8, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cplett.2022.140183.Suche in Google Scholar
[3] T. S. Anirudhan, L. Divya, and M. Ramachandran, “Mercury(II) removal from aqueous solutions and wastewaters using a novel cation exchanger derived from coconut coir pith and its recovery,” J. Hazard. Mater., vol. 157, nos. 2–3, pp. 620–627, 2008, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2008.01.030.Suche in Google Scholar PubMed
[4] S. Khan, S. Ajmal, T. Hussain, and M. Ur Rahman, “Clay-based materials for enhanced water treatment: adsorption mechanisms, challenges, and future directions,” J. Umm Al-Qura Univ. Appl. Sci., pp. 1–16, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1007/s43994-023-00083-0.Suche in Google Scholar
[5] H. H. Mungondori, S. Mtetwa, L. Tichagwa, D. M. Katwire, and P. Nyamukamba, “Synthesis and application of a ternary composite of clay, saw-dust and peanut husks in heavy metal adsorption,” Water Sci. Technol., vol. 75, no. 10, pp. 2443–2445, 2017, https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2017.123.Suche in Google Scholar PubMed
[6] B. O. Otunola and O. O. Ololade, “A review on the application of clay minerals as heavy metal adsorbents for remediation purposes,” Environ. Technol. Innov., vol. 18, p. 100692, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2020.100692.Suche in Google Scholar
[7] J. Qi, J. Yu, K. J. Shah, D. D. Shah, and Z. You, “Applicability of clay/organic clay to environmental pollutants: Green way – An overview,” Appl. Sci., vol. 13, no. 16, p. 9395, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-017-3360-y.Suche in Google Scholar
[8] M. H. Waleed and W. Khan, “Water pollution and its control through adsorbents of clay-based materials: A review,” J. Wastes Biomass Manag., vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 1–10, 2024, https://doi.org/10.26480/jwbm.01.2024.01.10.Suche in Google Scholar
[9] D. Ewis, M. M. Ba-Abbad, A. Benamor, and M. H. El-Naas, “Adsorption of organic water pollutants by clays and clay minerals composites: A comprehensive review,” Appl. Clay Sci., vol. 229, p. 106686, 2022, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay.2022.106686.Suche in Google Scholar
[10] M. K. Uddin, “A review on the adsorption of heavy metals by clay minerals, with special focus on the past decade,” Chem. Eng. J., vol. 308, pp. 438–462, 2017, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2016.09.029.Suche in Google Scholar
[11] S. A. El-Enein, M. A. Okbah, S. G. Hussain, N. F. Soliman, and H. H. Ghounam, “Adsorption of selected metals ions in solution using nano-bentonite particles: Isotherms and kinetics,” Environ. Process., vol. 7, pp. 463–477, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1007/s40710-020-00430-x.Suche in Google Scholar
[12] N. Beyazit, I. Peker, and O. N. Ergun, “Removal of lead and zinc ions from aqueous solution using Amasya zeolites from Turkey,” Int. J. Environ. Pollut., vol. 19, no. 2, pp. 160–170, 2003, https://doi.org/10.1504/IJEP.2003.003743.Suche in Google Scholar
[13] S.-H. Lin and R.-S. Juang, “Heavy metal removal from water by sorption using surfactant-modified montmorillonite,” J. Hazard. Mater., vol. 92, pp. 315–326, 2002. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0304-3894(02)00026-2.Suche in Google Scholar
[14] G. Resmi, S. G. Thampi, and S. Chandrakaran, “Removal of lead from wastewater by adsorption using acid-activated clay,” Environ. Technol., vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 291–297, 2012, https://doi.org/10.1080/09593330.2011.572917.Suche in Google Scholar PubMed
[15] S. Barakan and V. Aghazadeh, “The advantages of clay mineral modification methods for enhancing adsorption efficiency in wastewater treatment: A review,” Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res., vol. 28, no. 3, pp. 2572–2599, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-10985-9.Suche in Google Scholar PubMed
[16] N. Zhang, A. K. Konyalıoğlu, H. Duan, H. Feng, and H. Li, “The impact of innovative technologies in construction activities on concrete debris recycling in China: A system dynamics-based analysis,” Environment, Development and Sustainability, vol. 26, no. 6, pp. 14039–14064, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-023-03178-0.Suche in Google Scholar
[17] F. Mohammed-Azizi and M. Boufatit, “Assessment of raw clays from Maghnia (Algeria) for their use in the removal of Pb2+ and Zn2+ ions from industrial liquid wastes: A case study of wastewater treatment,” Arab. J. Geosci., vol. 11, pp. 1–18, 2018, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-017-3360-y.Suche in Google Scholar
[18] M. Honty, “CEC of the boom Clay – A review,” SCK-CEN Report ER-134, 2010.Suche in Google Scholar
[19] D. S. Ross and Q. Ketterings, “Recommended methods for determining soil cation exchange capacity,” Recomm. Soil Test. Proc. Northeast. U. S., vol. 493, no. 101, p. 62, 1995.Suche in Google Scholar
[20] F. Zahaf, “Etude Structurale Des Argiles Modifiées Appliquées à l’adsorption Des Polluants,” Ph.D. thesis, Mustapha Stambouli Univ., Mascara, Algeria, 2017.Suche in Google Scholar
[21] B. Anna, M. Kleopas, S. Constantine, F. Anestis, and B. Maria, “Adsorption of Cd(II), Cu(II), Ni(II) and Pb(II) onto natural bentonite: study in mono- and multi-metal systems,” Environ. Earth Sci., vol. 73, no. 9, pp. 5435–5444, 2015, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-014-3798-0.Suche in Google Scholar
[22] A. Alouache, A. Selatnia, H. E. Sayah, M. Khodja, S. Moussous, and N. Daoud, “Biosorption of hexavalent chromium and Congo red dye onto Pleurotus mutilus biomass in aqueous solutions,” Int. J. Environ. Sci. Technol., vol. 19, no. 4, pp. 2477–2492, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-021-03313-2.Suche in Google Scholar
[23] K. B. Fontana, E. S. Chaves, J. D. S. Sanchez, E. R. L. R. Watanabe, J. M. T. A. Pietrobelli, and G. G. Lenzi, “Textile dye removal from aqueous solutions by malt bagasse: Isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamic studies,” Ecotoxicol. Environ. Saf., vol. 124, pp. 329–336, 2016.10.1016/j.ecoenv.2015.11.012Suche in Google Scholar PubMed
[24] M. K. Dahri, M. R. R. Kooh, and L. B. L. Lim, “Water remediation using low cost adsorbent walnut shell for removal of malachite green: Equilibrium, kinetics, thermodynamic and regeneration studies,” J. Environ. Chem. Eng., vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 1434–1444, 2014. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2014.07.008.Suche in Google Scholar
[25] C. Yao and T. Chen, “A film-diffusion-based adsorption kinetic equation and its application,” Chem. Eng. Res. Des., vol. 119, pp. 87–92, 2017.10.1016/j.cherd.2017.01.004Suche in Google Scholar
[26] R. M. C. Viegas, M. Campinas, H. Costa, and M. J. Rosa, “How do the HSDM and Boyd’s model compare for estimating intraparticle diffusion coefficients in adsorption processes,” Adsorption, vol. 20, no. 5, pp. 737–746, 2014.10.1007/s10450-014-9617-9Suche in Google Scholar
[27] A. B. Dichiara, M. R. Webber, W. R. Gorman, and R. E. Rogers, “Removal of copper ions from aqueous solutions via adsorption on carbon nanocomposites,” ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, vol. 7, no. 28, pp. 15674–15680, 2015, https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.5b04974.Suche in Google Scholar PubMed
[28] L. Largitte, et al.., “Removal of lead from aqueous solutions by adsorption with surface precipitation,” Adsorption, vol. 20, pp. 689–700, 2014, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10450-014-9613-0.Suche in Google Scholar
[29] M. K. Rai, et al.., “Removal of hexavalent chromium Cr (VI) using activated carbon prepared from mango kernel activated with H3PO4,” Resour. Effic. Technol., vol. 2, pp. S63–S70, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reffit.2016.11.011.Suche in Google Scholar
[30] R. Lavecchia, F. Medici, S. Patterer, and A. Zuorro, “Lead removal from water by adsorption on spent coffee grounds,” Chem. Eng. Trans., vol. 47, pp. 295–300, 2016.Suche in Google Scholar
[31] B. Tekin and U. Açıkel, “Adsorption isotherms for removal of heavy metal ions (copper and nickel) from aqueous solutions in single and binary adsorption processes,” Gazi Univ. J. Sci., vol. 36, no. 2, pp. 495–509, 2022, https://doi.org/10.35378/gujs.1066137.Suche in Google Scholar
[32] A. G. Ari and S. Celik, “Biosorption potential of Orange G dye by modified Pyracantha Coccinea: Batch and dynamic flow system applications,” Chem. Eng. J., vol. 226, pp. 263–270, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2013.04.073.Suche in Google Scholar
[33] M. H. Derkani, et al.., “Mechanisms of surface charge modification of carbonates in aqueous electrolyte solutions,” Colloids Interfaces, vol. 3, no. 4, p. 62, 2019, https://doi.org/10.3390/colloids3040062.Suche in Google Scholar
[34] A. Terzić, et al.., “The effect of alternations in mineral additives (zeolite, bentonite, fly ash) on physico-chemical behavior of Portland cement based binders,” Constr. Build. Mater., vol. 180, pp. 199–210, 2018, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.06.007.Suche in Google Scholar
[35] K. Gallucci, F. Micheli, A. Poliandri, L. Rossi, and U. F. Pier “CO2 sorption by hydrotalcite-like compounds in dry and wet conditions,” Int. J. Chem. React. Eng., vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 335–349, 2015, https://doi.org/10.1515/ijcre-2014-0167.Suche in Google Scholar
[36] X. Hu, Z. Li, Q. Tan, X. Qiu, and R. Chi, “Carbonation reaction in phosphogypsum waste conversion to calcium acetate: Experiment and kinetic model study,” Int. J. Chem. React. Eng., vol. 23, no. 5, pp. 629–645, 2025, https://doi.org/10.1515/ijcre-2024-0213.Suche in Google Scholar
[37] Y. Li, L. Wu, Q. Xu, and Z. Li, “Sorption-catalysis-enhanced effects of crab shell derived CaO-based biochar addition on the pyrolysis of waste cooking oil fried sludge,” Int. J. Chem. React. Eng., vol. 22, no. 3, pp. 311–321, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1515/ijcre-2023-0107.Suche in Google Scholar
[38] G.-B. Cai, et al.., “1, 3-Diamino-2-hydroxypropane-N, N, N′, N′-tetraacetic acid stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate: Nucleation, transformation and crystal growth,” CrystEngComm, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 234–241, 2010, https://doi.org/10.1039/b911426m.Suche in Google Scholar
[39] S. Hajji, T. Turki, A. Boubakri, M. Ben Amor, and N. Mzoughi, “Study of cadmium adsorption onto calcite using full factorial experiment design,” Desalination Water Treat., vol. 83, no. March 2018, pp. 222–233, 2017, https://doi.org/10.5004/dwt.2017.21079.Suche in Google Scholar
[40] J. Ji, Y. Ge, W. Balsam, J. E. Damuth, and J. Chen, “Rapid identification of dolomite using a Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR): A fast method for identifying Heinrich events in IODP site U1308,” Mar. Geol., vol. 258, nos. 1–4, pp. 60–68, 2009, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.margeo.2008.11.007.Suche in Google Scholar
[41] R. Ylmén, U. Jäglid, B.-M. Steenari, and I. Panas, “Early hydration and setting of Portland cement monitored by IR, SEM and Vicat techniques,” Cem. Concr. Res., vol. 39, no. 5, pp. 433–439, 2009, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2009.01.017.Suche in Google Scholar
[42] M. Thommes, et al.., “Physisorption of gases, with special reference to the evaluation of surface area and pore size distribution (IUPAC technical report),” Pure Appl. Chem., vol. 87, nos. 9–10, pp. 1051–1069, 2015, https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2014-1117.Suche in Google Scholar
[43] M. Ahmaruzzaman, “Industrial wastes as low-cost potential adsorbents for the treatment of wastewater laden with heavy metals,” Adv. Colloid Interface Sci., vol. 166, nos. 1–2, pp. 36–59, 2011. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cis.2011.04.005.Suche in Google Scholar PubMed
[44] M. Ghaedi, S. Hajati, B. Barazesh, F. Karimi, and G. Ghezelbash, “Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the biosorption of basic dyes from binary component systems and the high order derivative spectrophotometric method for simultaneous analysis of brilliant green and methylene blue,” J. Ind. Eng. Chem., vol. 19, no. 1, pp. 227–233, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jiec.2012.08.006.Suche in Google Scholar
[45] M. El Haddad, A. Regti, R. Slimani, and S. Lazar, “Assessment of the biosorption kinetic and thermodynamic for the removal of safranin dye from aqueous solutions using calcined mussel shells,” J. Ind. Eng. Chem., vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 717–724, 2014. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jiec.2013.05.038.Suche in Google Scholar
[46] T. Rihayat, et al.., “Determination of CEC value (cation exchange capacity) of bentonites from North Aceh and Bener Meriah, Aceh Province, Indonesia using three methods,” In IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, vol. 334, IOP Publishing, 2018, p. 12054.10.1088/1757-899X/334/1/012054Suche in Google Scholar
[47] A. Garcıa-Sánchez, A. Alastuey, and X. Querol, “Heavy metal adsorption by different minerals: application to the remediation of polluted soils,” Sci. Total Environ., vol. 242, nos. 1–3, pp. 179–188, 1999.10.1016/S0048-9697(99)00383-6Suche in Google Scholar
[48] O. Abollino, M. Aceto, M. Malandrino, C. Sarzanini, and E. Mentasti, “Adsorption of heavy metals on Na-montmorillonite. Effect of PH and organic substances,” Water Res., vol. 37, no. 7, pp. 1619–1627, 2003. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0043-1354(02)00524-9.Suche in Google Scholar PubMed
[49] I. Chaari, et al.., “Lead removal from aqueous solutions by a Tunisian smectitic clay,” J. Hazard. Mater., vol. 156, nos. 1–3, pp. 545–551, 2008. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2007.12.080.Suche in Google Scholar PubMed
[50] S. Bhagat, V. V. Gedam, and P. Pathak, “Adsorption/desorption, kinetics and equilibrium studies for the uptake of Cu(II) and Zn(II) onto banana peel,” vol. 18, no. 3, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1515/ijcre-2019-0109.Suche in Google Scholar
[51] P. Saha, S. Datta, and S. K. Sanyal, “Application of natural clayey soil as adsorbent for the removal of copper from wastewater,” J. Environ. Eng., vol. 136, no. 12, pp. 1409–1417, 2010. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)EE.1943-7870.0000289.Suche in Google Scholar
[52] O. Sulaiman, M. H. M. Amini, M. Rafatullah, R. Hashim, and A. Ahmad, “Adsorption equilibrium and thermodynamic studies of copper (II) ions from aqueous solutions by oil palm leaves,” Int. J. Chem. React. Eng., vol. 8, no. 1, 2010, https://doi.org/10.2202/1542-6580.2350.Suche in Google Scholar
[53] O. Abdel Wahab, “Kinetic and isotherm studies of copper (II) removal from wastewater using various adsorbents,” Egypt. J. Aquat. Res., vol. 33, pp. 125–143, 2007.Suche in Google Scholar
[54] G. F. Malash and M. I. El-Khaiary, “Piecewise linear regression: a statistical method for the analysis of experimental adsorption data by the intraparticle-diffusion models,” Chem. Eng. J., vol. 163, no. 3, pp. 256–263, 2010.10.1016/j.cej.2010.07.059Suche in Google Scholar
[55] Y.-S. Ho and A. E. Ofomaja, “Kinetic studies of copper ion adsorption on palm kernel ibre,” J. Hazard. Mater., vol. 137, no. 3, pp. 1796–1802, 2006.10.1016/j.jhazmat.2006.05.023Suche in Google Scholar PubMed
[56] W.-S. Shin, K.-R. Na, and Y.-K. Kim, “Adsorption of metal ions from aqueous solution by recycled aggregate: Estimation of pretreatment effect,” Desalination Water Treat., vol. 57, no. 20, pp. 9366–9374, 2016.10.1080/19443994.2015.1029528Suche in Google Scholar
[57] P. Chand and Y. B. Pakade, “Removal of Pb from water by adsorption on apple pomace: Equilibrium, kinetics, and thermodynamics studies,” J. Chem., vol. 2013, no. 1, p. 164575, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/164575.Suche in Google Scholar
[58] M. A. Darweesh, M. Y. Elgendy, M. I. Ayad, A. M. M. Ahmed, N. M. Kamel Elsayed, and W. A. Hammad, “Adsorption isotherm, kinetic, and optimization studies for copper (II) removal from aqueous solutions by banana leaves and derived activated carbon,” South Afr. J. Chem. Eng., vol. 40, pp. 10–20, 2022.10.1016/j.sajce.2022.01.002Suche in Google Scholar
© 2025 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston
