Boron removal from aqueous solutions by ion-exchange resin: Batch studies

In this study, boron removal from aqueous solutions was examined using Dowex 2 × 8 anion exchange resin. The sorption behaviour of resin was investigated as a function of pH, contact-time and temperature, initial boron concentration of solution, resin dosage and effect of other ions. The maximum sorption value for boron was observed at pH 9. The percent removal of boron decreased as temperature and initial boron concentration increased. The presence of other ions in solutions affected the sorption of boron significantly. The Langmuir isotherm was used to describe observed sorption phenomena. The maximum sorption capacity of Dowex 2 × 8 was determined as 16.98 mg B/g at pH 9 and 25°C. The quantitative stripping of boron from resin was obtained with 0.5 M H2SO4 or 0.5 M HCl solutions at 25°C. A generalised ion exchange kinetic model was applied to fit the kinetic data obtained by using the Dowex 2 × 8 and the rate-determining step is determined as film-intraparticle diffusion.