Dyes and Heavy Metals Removal from Aqueous Solutions Using Raw and Modified Diatomite

The progress of the textile industry has led to a severe increase in the discharge of colored effluents, polluted with dyes and metal ions (non-biodegradable, carcinogenic to humans and environmental hazards). The implementation of effective methodologies and materials for the treatment of wastewater has become an urgent requirement. The present work describes the application of two samples of mineral materials—Ghidirim diatomite and modified diatomite—as adsorbents for the removal of dyes—Acid Blue 350, Methylene Blue, Basic Red 2—and of metal ions—copper, zinc, and lead—from aqueous solutions. In order to determine the optimal working conditions by which to ensure maximum removal efficiency, the influence of the nature and amount of the sorbent, the initial concentration of pollutant, and the temperature were studied. Working under normal conditions (room temperature, solution pH) efficiencies greater than 80% were obtained for the removal of dyes and metal ions. The adsorption fitted well with the pseudo-second order kinetic model, and the maximum adsorption capacities were determined from the Langmuir isotherm model. The adsorption of investigated pollutants is an endothermic and spontaneous process. The results indicate that Ghidirim diatomite and modified diatomite have potential applications in water purification management, providing high removal efficiency of both dyes and metal ions.