Because of its unique properties, such as specific functionality and large specific surface area, iron oxide nanoadsorbents had showed potential for energy and environmental applications. This work investigated the adsorptive removal of different metal ions from wastewater by superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoadsorbents (Fe3O4). Batch-adsorption technique was employed to assess the kinetic behaviour and adsorption equilibrium of cadmium, cobalt and nickel. Accordingly, the effect of the following variables on the adsorption reaction was tested, namely: solution pH, contact time and temperature. Metal ion adsorption was found to be highly pH dependent with a maximum uptake achieved around pH 5.5. Kinetic studies showed that adsorption was fast and equilibrium was achieved in less than 60 min. The external mass transfer kinetic model was applied to the experimental results and provided reasonable overall volumetric mass transfer coefficients. Adsorption isotherms were determined and appropriately described by the Freundlich and Langmuir models, with a better fit to the Freundlich model. The amount of metal ion adsorbed increased as the temperature increased, suggesting an endothermic adsorption process. The thermodynamics studies indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic in nature. © 2011 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
The assignment of metal complexes to various regimes on the basis of their dissociation kinetics is one type of metal speciation study. The most common scheme, which involves column ion-exchange as a means of separating free metal ions and metals in the form of highly labile complexes from other forms of metals in the sample, is demonstrated to categorize incorrectly stable, charged complexes such as iron(II) and nickel(II) o-phenanthroline as labile. Donnan dialysis is an alternative ion-exchange method for metal speciation studies. Data are provided which demonstrate that the above complexes are correctly assigned by the Donnan dialysis method. The relative labilities of ethylenediamine and triethylenetetramine complexes of iron (II) and nickel (II) are also correctly determined by Donnan dialysis.
Nickel may be a potential cause of damage to plant and a health hazard to man by being transferred to him through plant. In this study the effect of nickel treatment on the growth of egg‐plant has been studied. Both root‐applied treatment and foliar‐applied treatment have been used. The effect of nickel treatment on the nickel concentration in the various parts of plant has been studied. The effect of nickel treatment on the total nickel content of the various parts of plant and the percentage of this nickel content from the total nickel content of the whole plant has been also looked into.