Adsorption removal of copper ions from water medium with the use of travertine and limestone

Copper removal from aqueous solutions with the use of natural minerals of Georgia – travertine and limestone, which have been used for the first time as adsorbents in the mentioned process, has been studied. Travertine and limestone are not expensive, mechanically strong, ecologically clean and widely spread minerals. 

Based on the experiments, the factors having impact on sorption capacity of these minerals have been analyzed. 

Dependence of adsorption degree and adsorptive capacity on adsorbent dosage, time contact, adsorbate concentration, grain fraction size and pH of solution medium has been studied. 

Optimum conditions for aqueous solution treatment from copper ions have been selected. Maximum efficiency of Сu²⁺ removal was equal to 95% and 92%, while adsorptive capacity – 46.8 mg/g and 45.2 mg/g for travertine and limestone, respectively.