Characterisation, Performance, and Kinetics of Kaolin-Based Adsorbents for Advanced Wastewater Treatment

International Journal of Chemical Engineering Research

© 2025 by SSRG - IJCER Journal

Volume 12 Issue 2

Year of Publication : 2025

Authors : Esther Chioma Udochukwu

10.14445/23945370/IJCER-V12I2P101

How to Cite?

Esther Chioma Udochukwu, "Characterisation, Performance, and Kinetics of Kaolin-Based Adsorbents for Advanced Wastewater Treatment," SSRG International Journal of Chemical Engineering Research, vol. 12,  no. 2, pp. 1-11, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23945370/IJCER-V12I2P101

Abstract:

Kaolin, a naturally abundant aluminosilicate clay, has emerged as a promising candidate for sustainable and low-cost environmental remediation. This study investigates the physicochemical characteristics and adsorption efficiency of untreated Kaolin in removing multiple pollutants, such as turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and lead (Pb²⁺) from simulated wastewater. Characterization analyses revealed a BET specific surface area of 13.967 m²/g, confirming its adsorption potential. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated excellent thermal stability up to 950 °C, while Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy identified surface functional groups such as hydroxyl and silanol, responsible for adsorptive interactions. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted using the simulated wastewater containing 300 NTU turbidity, 800 mg/L COD, and 10 mg/L Pb²⁺ at a neutral pH of 6.5. Kaolin doses ranging from 0.5 to 5 g/L were tested. Optimal removal efficiencies were observed at 5 g/L, achieving 91.8% reduction in turbidity, 77.7% in COD, and 86.5% in Pb²⁺. Adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model, indicating that chemisorption governs the removal mechanism, which conforms to ion exchange and surface complexation. Unlike many researchers whose studies are based upon modified or chemically treated clays, this work demonstrates that raw, unmodified Kaolin exhibits excellent multifunctional performance in treating complex wastewater systems. The findings underscore Kaolin’s potential as a scalable, environmentally benign adsorbent for decentralized and industrial water treatment applications. This research fills a critical gap in the literature and supports the broader adoption of natural clays as green alternatives for integrated pollutant removal.

Keywords:

Wastewater treatment, COD removal, Lead adsorption, Turbidity reduction, Adsorption kinetics.

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