Adsorbents Based on Modified Clay Minerals for Heavy Metals Removal
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47451/nat2025-05-01Keywords:
modified clay minerals, heavy metals, adsorption, wastewater treatment, environmental remediation, clay modificationAbstract
The escalating global issue of heavy metal contamination in water resources necessitates the development of efficient and sustainable remediation technologies. Adsorption using modified clay minerals has emerged as a promising approach due to the natural abundance, low cost, and inherent adsorption capacity of clays, which can be significantly enhanced through various modification techniques. This review explores the fundamentals of clay minerals as adsorbents, detailing their structure, properties, and natural adsorption capabilities. It synthesizes current research on the mechanisms of heavy metal adsorption onto modified clay minerals, including ion exchange, surface complexation, and electrostatic attraction, highlighting the influence of modification on these processes. Various methods for enhancing adsorption, such as chemical (acid activation, pillaring, organic modification, metal oxide functionalization, polymer modification), physical (thermal treatment), biogenic, and mechano-chemical treatments, are discussed. The investigation examines the efficacy of modified clay minerals in removing various heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic, along with the principal elements affecting adsorption effectiveness, such as pH, temperature, adsorbent dosage, and contact time. The review also addresses the challenges, limitations, and future directions in the application of these materials for heavy metal removal, emphasizing the ongoing need for cost-effective, selective, and environmentally friendly solutions. Key researchers whose works are utilized in this review include Lamrani et al., Adekeye et al., Sarkar et al., Bhatnagar et al., and Pylypenko et al., whose contributions have significantly advanced the understanding and application of modified clay minerals in wastewater treatment. The results of this study are intended for environmental scientists, engineers, researchers, and policymakers seeking sustainable solutions for heavy metal pollution remediation.
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