Adsorption of copper from aqueous solution onto calcined magnesite waste

In this study, the adsorption of copper from aqueous solutions was examined using calcined magnesite waste. Copper solutions prepared in laboratory were used in the study. In the first part of the study, magnesite waste was calcined at different temperatures to increase copper adsorption capacity and the optimum calcination temperature was determined. In the second part of the study, the effect of pH, contact time, adsorbent amount and initial solution concentration on the adsorption of copper from the solution was investigated. The optimum calcination temperature for copper adsorption from the solution was determinedas 600 oC. The kinetics of sorption were analyzed using pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second order kinetic models, and it was found that adsorption process obeyed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Adsorption isotherm data were analyzed using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models, and it was determined that the adsorption data well fitted by Langmuir isotherm model. Results show that calcined magnesite waste is a favorable adsorbent for copper adsorption from aqueous solutions.