Development of a novel nano composite adsorbent for removal of toxic heavy metals from aqueous solutions

A novel microspherical nanocomposite adsorbent was developed by immobilization of MCM-41 nano silicate in the bio-polymeric matrix of calcium alginate. Distribution coefficients (Kd) of some metal ions were determined for the nanocomposite and its alginate analogue. The results of Kd values revealed that the new adsorbent has high affinity for adsorption of lead, uranium, strontium and cadmium compared with alginate. The kinetics of uranium uptake was estimated by a stirred reactor and the data were fitted with the pseudo second order kinetics model.

Keywords:

Mcm-41 , Nano Composite , Sodium Alginate , Toxic Elements