Removal of Cu(II), Cd(II) and Cr(III) ions from aqueous solution by dam silt

The removal of heavy metals, such as Cu(II), Cd(II) and Cr(III) from aqueous solution was studied using Chorfa silt material (Mascara, Algeria). The main constituents of silt sediment are quartz, calcite and mixture of clays. The experimental data were described using Freundlich, Langmuir, Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) and Langmuir–Freundlich models. The adsorbed amounts of chromium and copper ions were very high (95% and 94% of the total concentration of the metal ions), whereas cadmium ion was adsorbed in smaller (55%) amounts. The Langmuir–Freundlich isotherm model was the best to describe the experimental data. The maximum sorption capacity was found to be 26.30, 11.76 and 0.35 mg/g for Cr³⁺, Cu²⁺ and Cd²⁺, respectively. The results of mean sorption energy, E (kJ/mol) calculated from D–R equation, confirmed that the adsorption of copper, chromium and cadmium on silt is physical in nature.     

Kinetics and thermodynamics of Cd(II) biosorption onto loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) leaves

A new biosorbent loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) leaves waste for removing cadmium (II) ions from aqueous solutions has been investigated. The extent of biosorption of Cd(II) ions was found to be dependent on solution pH, initial cadmium ion concentrations, biosorbent dose, contact time, and temperature. The experimental equilibrium biosorption data were analyzed by four widely used two-parameters Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm equations. Langmuir and Temkin isotherm models provided a better fit with the experimental data than Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models by high correlation coefficients R². The thermodynamic analysis indicated that the biosorption behavior of cadmium ions onto loquat leaves (LL) biosorbent was an endothermic process, resulting in higher biosorption capacities at higher temperatures. The negative sign values of ΔG⁰ and positive values of ΔH⁰ revealed that the biosorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. Kinetic studies showed that pseudo-second order described the biosorption experimental data better than the pseudo-first order kinetic model. The (LL) were successfully used for the biosorption of cadmium ions from contaminated water sources.     

Efficiency of Acacia Gummifera powder as biosorbent for simultaneous decontamination of water polluted with metals

Biosorbent materials represent an interesting alternative to classic methods of metal removal from industrial effluents. Acacia biomass showed a higher absorption capacity for heavy metals than living biomass. This study aimed to evaluate the bioadsorption of Lead and Cadmium onto Acacia Gummifera gum, using batch experiment. The structural characterization of the biosorbent was carried out using FT-IR, SEM, BET, TGA and DSC analysis. The adsorption equilibrium was reached within 15 min. A maximum uptake of 18.3 mg.g⁻¹ Pb²⁺ and 9.57 mg.g⁻¹ Cd²⁺ was achieved at pH 6.5. The metal ions seemed to be removed exclusively by ion exchange, physical sorption and chelation. The biomass of A. Gummifera powder was found to be effective for lead and cadmium removal with respectively 97% and 86% sorption efficiency at a concentration of 100 mg/L, in aqueous media. Parameters affecting adsorption capacities such as biosorbent dosage, initial metal concentration, temperature, and pH are discussed in detail. Furthermore, adsorption thermodynamics, kinetics, and equilibrium were studied and fitted by different models. Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherms were used to compare adsorption data at equilibrium. The adsorption kinetics data were found to be best fitted by the pseudo-second-order model, and the adsorption isotherm was well fitted with the Langmuir model. The calculated thermodynamic parameters (ΔG⁰, ΔS⁰ and ΔH⁰) indicated a spontaneous and exothermic biosorption of both metal ions onto Acacia Gummifera. Moreover, chromatograms obtained by size exclusion chromatography coupled with multi-angle laser light scattering detection system (SECMALLS) showed the formation of complexes between the arabinogalactan-peptide (AGP) and glycoprotein (GP) Acacia moieties and the two studied metal ions. The analysis of the FTIR spectra of dried Acacia and that of Acacia loaded with lead and cadmium in aqueous media suggests that the surface functional groups such as amides and carboxy groups might be involved in the metal removal process.The extent of adsorption for both metals increased along with an increase of the A. Gummifera biomass dosage. A. Gummifera biomass, which is safe, of low-cost, and highly selective, seems therefore to be a promising substrate for simultaneous trapping of Pd and Cd ions in aqueous solutions.     

Synthesis of propyl aminopyridine modified magnetite nanoparticles for cadmium (II) adsorption in aqueous solutions

In this study, 2‐aminopyridine functionalized magnetite nanoparticles were chemically synthesized and used for removing Cd²⁺ ions from aqueous solutions. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive analysis of X‐rays (EDX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The SEM results showed the synthesized magnetite nanoparticles have particle size around 26 nm. The effects of several variables including solution pH and volume, adsorbent mass, ionic strength and contact time on the Cd²⁺ adsorption were studied in batch experiments and finally the optimum conditions for adsorption were obtained. The kinetic data were investigated by pseudo‐ first‐order, pseudo‐ second‐order, intraparticle diffusion and Elovich kinetic models and data were described reasonably by pseudo‐ second‐order model (R² = 0.9996) with q_e = 2.31 mg g^?1. Adsorption data were analyzed using Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm models. The results indicated that the data were well fitted to the Freundlich isotherm model (R² = 0.9907). After study the possible interference effect of foreign ions on Cd²⁺ removal, the applicability of the proposed nanoparticles for adsorption from real samples confirmed the successfully removal of Cd²⁺ ions with removal efficiency higher than 92%. The obtained results showed that the synthesized nanoparticles as a reusable adsorbent can act as a good choice for Cd²⁺ removal with an easy procedure.     

Adsorption of cadmium ions from aqueous solutions using nano-montmorillonite: kinetics,isotherm and mechanism evaluations

With increasing industrial development, heavy metal pollution, e.g., cadmium (Cd) pollution, is increasingly serious in soil and water environments. This study investigated the sorption performance of nano-montmorillonite (NMMT) for Cd ions. Adsorption experiments were carried out to examine the effects of the initial metal ion concentration (22.4–224 mg/L), pH (2.5–7.5), contact time (2–180 min) and temperature (15–40 °C). A simulated acid rain solution was prepared to study the desorption of Cd adsorbed on NMMT. After the adsorption or desorption process, the supernatant was analyzed using a flame atomic absorption spectrometry method. The Cd removal rate increased as the pH and contact time increased but decreased as the initial metal ion concentration increased. The maximum adsorption capacity was estimated to be 17.61 mg/g at a Cd²⁺ concentration of 22.4 mg/L. The sorption process can be described by both the Langmuir and Freundlich models, and the kinetic studies revealed that the pseudo-second-order model fit the experimental data. The Cd desorption rate when exposed to simulated acid rain was less than 1%. NMMT possesses a good adsorption capacity for Cd ions. Additionally, ion exchange was the main adsorption mechanism, but some precipitation or surface adsorption also occurred.     

Efficient removal of heavy metal ions using hydrophilic thiacalix[4]arene doped polyaniline prepared by emulsion polymerization: conductivity,isotherm and kinetic study

The adsorption capacity of conductive polyaniline doped by thiacalix[4]arene tetrasulfonate (PANI–TCAS) towards Cu(II), Cd(II), Co(II) and Cr(III) was investigated through batch adsorption techniques, and the extent of adsorption was measured as a function of pH, initial metal ion concentration and contact time. It was found that the metal ion removal reached maximum at pH 8.0 and remained constant after 60 min. Experimental data was fitted to Langmuir, Freundlich, Redlich–Peterson and Temkin equation models with the maximum adsorption capacity calculated to be 833.3, 555.5, 526.3 and 500 for Cr³⁺, Cu²⁺, Co²⁺ and Cd²⁺, respectively, from the Langmuir isotherm model. The kinetic study was carried out through pseudo‐first‐order, pseudo‐second‐order, Elovich kinetic and intraparticle diffusion models in which the related correlation coefficient for each kinetic model showed that the pseudo‐second‐order rate equation was better described by the adsorption process. XRD spectra, SEM and TEM images of the adsorbent revealed a homogeneous distribution of nano‐sized particle structure with a porous surface, the morphology of which brings about high adsorption capacity for the PANI–TCAS molecular nanocomposite which in turn was observed by the AFM micrograph. The conductivity of thiacalix[4]arene tetrasulfonate doped polyaniline after metal ion adsorption was also assessed, and the four‐probe measurement technique revealed conductivity increment as high as 102.4 S cm^?1 with a 100 order of magnitude enhancement. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sorption Studies of Nickel ions Onto Sawdust of Dalbergia Sissoo

Sawdust of Dalbergia sissoo, a byproduct of sawmills, was found to be a promising adsorbent for the removal of nickel ions from aqueous solution. Sorption of nickel ions onto sawdust of Dalbergia sissoo was studied using the batch technique. Kinetics studies show that nickel ions sorption process obeys a first order rate law. The applicability of the Langmuir and Freundlich models for the data was tested. Both the models adequately describe the experimental data of the biosorption of nickel ions. The sorption capacities and energies were calculated. Langmuir parameters X_m and K₁ were found to increase with rise in temperature; Freundlich constants 1/n and K_f have been evaluated for 293K, 303K, 313K and 323K. Thermodynamic parameter ΔH° = 4.80 kJ mol^?;1 shows that sorption of nickel ions onto sawdust is an endothermic process.     

The Equilibrium and Kinetic Modelling of the Biosorption of Copper(II) Ions on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cladophora crispata</Emphasis>

The biosorption of Cu(II) ions on Cladophora crispata was investigated as a function of the initial pH, temperature and initial Cu(II) ion concentration. Algal biomass exhibited the highest Cu(II) uptake capacity at 25C and at the initial pH of 4.5. Equilibrium data fitted very well to both the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The pseudo second order kinetic model was applied to describe the kinetic data and the rate constants were evaluated in the studied concentration range of Cu(II) ions at all the temperatures studied. The experimental data fitted well to the pseudo second order kinetic model with a high correlation coefficient (R² > 0.99), which indicates that the external mass transfer limitations in the system can be neglected and the chemical sorption is the rate-limiting step. The pseudo second order kinetic constants were also used to calculate the activation energy of Cu(II) biosorption.     

Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) of Nok sculptures in I. P. Stanback Museum

Biochar prepared from Triticum aestivum straw (SB) was used to investigate the sorption separation of Cd²⁺ and Co²⁺ ions in single and binary systems. The maximum adsorption capacity of SB was higher for Cd²⁺ ions and the process was strongly pH dependent. Adsorption data in the binary system Cd²⁺–Co²⁺ were well described by the extended Langmuir model and the values of affinity parameter b indicate a higher affinity of SB to Cd²⁺ in comparison with Co²⁺ ions. The mechanisms for the removal of Cd and Co by biochar were evidenced by the different instrumental analyses as well as by chemical speciation modeling. Elemental mapping of SB revealed spatial distributions of cobalt and cadmium on biochar surfaces. The role of functional groups in metal sorption was confirmed by FTIR. Results demonstrate that SB is a promising heavy metal-immobilizing agent for contaminated soils or water.     

Kinetic,Equilibrium and Isotherm Studies of Cadmium Removal from Aqueous Solutions by Oxidized Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes and the Functionalized Ones with Thiosemicarbazide and Their Toxicity Investigations: A Comparison

The multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were first oxidized by nitric acid to form a MWCNT‐COOH. Then, it was modified with thiosemicarbazide to produce MWCNT‐semi. Thus, these carbon materials, MWCNTs, MWCNT‐COOH and MWCNT‐semi, have been used as efficient adsorbents for the removal of cadmium from aqueous solutions. The influence of variables including pH, concentration of the cadmium, amount of adsorbents and contact time was investigated by the batch method. The kinetic studies carried out using different kinetic models such as pseudo‐first‐order, pseudo‐second‐order, and intraparticle diffusion models. The sorption process with each adsorbent was well described by pseudo‐second‐order kinetics which it was agreed well with the experimental data. The values of regression coefficient of various adsorption isotherms like Langmuir, Freundlich and Tempkin to obtain the characteristic parameters of each model have been carried out. The results showed which the Langmuir isotherm for all adsorbents and Tempkin model for MWCNT‐COOH and MWCNT‐semi was found to best represent the measured sorption data. Toxicity of these samples was evaluated in human embryonic kidney HEK293 and human breast cancer SKBR3 cell lines after culturing cells for 24 h. Cellular investigations showed that the modified MWCNTs in particular MWCNT‐semi have considerably significant toxic impact on SKBR3 as compared to HEK293 at concentration 3 µg/mL.     

Improved adsorption and desorption behavior of Cd on thiol-modified bentonite grafted with cysteamine hydrochloride

Clay adsorbents are considered an inexpensive and readily available solution for removing heavy metals, including cadmium, from the environment to reduce pollution. In this study, thiol-modified bentonite (SH-Bent) was prepared by grafting cysteamine hydrochloride onto natural bentonite (Bent). The effects of pH, equilibrium contact time, and temperature on the adsorption–desorption behavior of Cd²⁺ were studied, and adsorption isotherm models were applied to examine the adsorption behavior of SH-bent. SH-Bent demonstrated better performance and stability for Cd²⁺ adsorption than Bent. SH-Bent exhibited an enhanced adsorption capacity for Cd²⁺ at equilibrium of 49.3 mg/g at pH 6, 120 min, and 303 K, which was 42-fold higher than that of Bent under the same conditions. An investigation of the desorption behavior of Cd²⁺ adsorbed on Bent and SH-Bent in simulated acid rain revealed that SH-Bent has high stability, with a desorption rate of 5.73% at pH 4.5, 60 min, and 303 K, which was much lower than that demonstrated by Bent under the same conditions (45.68%). The Langmuir equation was the best-fitted adsorption isotherm model, closely followed by the Freundlich, Tempkin, and Dubinin–Radushkevich models. A significant difference in diffusion was observed between the two types of clay according to the intraparticle diffusion model. The adsorption–desorption processes of SH-Bent and Bent fit the pseudo-second-order model best among the five kinetic models examined. The information provided in this study can be used to apply thiol-modified clay for wastewater treatment or for the removal of cadmium from soil.

Graphical abstract

     

Sorption, desorption and extraction of cadmium from some arable and forest soils

Summary The behavior of cadmium labeled with ¹⁰⁹Cd in different depth horizons of arable and forest soils were studied under static (batch) conditions in three interconnected processes, which consist of sorption, desorption and extraction. In the sorption, Cd²⁺ was applied in the aqueous calcium nitrate solution. Both untreated soils and peroxide treated soils were used in order to remove organic matter from some of the soil samples used in parallel. The influence of the V/m ratio on the sorption coefficients was investigated in preliminary experiments with untreated soils. Contrary to the usually short-term sorption, a long-term sorption of cadmium was investigated in untreated and treated soil horizons, which lasted more than fortnight. Kinetic studies of sorption were carried out and cadmium concentration dependence in aqueous phase of the second order kinetic constants was observed. For evaluation of sorption and desorption processes Freundlich isotherms were used. It was found that the Freundlich adsorption intensity coefficient is more time dependent than the absorption capacity coefficient, and the sorption itself consists of rapid and slow processes according to the soil constituents. Desorption and extraction processes revealed the possibility of cadmium recovery from various soil horizons. Based on the obtained results two- or three-stage theory of cadmium retention in soils was proposed. Some new insight into the role of organic matter in the sorption/desorption process of cadmium is also presented.     

Entrapment of Lentinus sajor-caju into Ca-alginate gel beads for removal of Cd(II) ions from aqueous solution: preparation and biosorption kinetics analysis

A white rot fungus species Lentinus sajor-caju biomass was entrapped into alginate gel via a liquid curing method in the presence of Ca(II) ions. The biosorption of cadmium(II) by the entrapped live and dead fungal biomass has been studied in a batch system. The heat-treatment process enhanced the biosorption capacity of the immobilized fungal biomass. The effect of initial cadmium concentration, pH and temperature on cadmium removal has been investigated. The maximum experimental biosorption capacities for entrapped live and dead fungal mycelia of L. sajur-caju were found to be 104.8±2.7 mg Cd(II) g⁻¹ and 123.5±4.3 mg Cd(II) g⁻¹, respectively. The kinetics of cadmium biosorption was fast, approximately 85% of biosorption taking place within 30 min. The biosorption equilibrium was well described by Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms. The change in the biosorption capacity with time is found to fit pseudo-second-order equations. Cadmium binding properties of entrapped fungal preparations have been determined applying the Ruzic equations. Since the biosorption capacities are relatively high for both entrapped live and dead forms, they could be considered as suitable biosorbents for the removal of cadmium in wastewater treatment systems. The biosorbents were reused in three consecutive adsorption/desorption cycles without significant loss in the biosorption capacity.     

Development of Azo Dye Immobilized Sulfonated Poly (Glycidyl Methacrylate) Polymer Composite as Novel Adsorbents for Water Treatment Applications: Methylene Blue Immobilization Isotherm,Kinetic, Thermodynamic,and Simulations Studies

Methylene blue (MB) immobilized onto a sulfonated poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (SPGMA) polymer composite has been developed as a novel adsorbent for water treatment applications. The MB adsorptions onto sulfonated poly(glycidyl methacrylate) polymer characters have been studied. The adsorption isotherms, namely Langmuir and Freundlich, have been investigated. Other isotherm models. As a compromise between the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models, such as the D–R isotherm and the Temkin isotherm, have been compared. The results indicated that the adsorption process followed the Freundlich isotherm model, indicating heterogeneous surface site energies and multi-layer levels of sorption. This study selected three linear kinetic models, namely pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, and Elovich, to describe the MB sorption process using SPGMA negatively charged nanoparticles (430 nm). The obtained data revealed that the adsorption process obeyed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, suggesting that the rate-limiting step in these sorption processes may be chemisorption. Furthermore, the thermodynamic parameters have been evaluated. Moreover, the interaction of the MB molecules with SPGMA nanoparticles has been simulated using the governing equation that describes ion exchange resin derived from Nernst—Plank equations between two ion species. Finally, the developed MB-SPGMA composite adsorbent (27 mg/g) wastested for the first time for the removal of Cr⁶⁺ ions and Mn⁷⁺ metal ions from dichromate and permanganate-contaminated waters under mild adsorption conditions, opening a new field of multiuse of the same adsorbent in the removal of more than one contaminant.     

Removal of copper (Cu2+) from water by sulfonated cellulose

Water insoluble sulfonated cellulose was prepared and applied for Cu²⁺ removal from water. The effects of sorbent dose, initial solution pH, temperature and initial Cu²⁺ concentration on the removal performance of sulfonated cellulose were investigated. Isothermal data were modeled with the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The Cu²⁺ sorption onto sulfonated cellulose followed the Langmuir isotherm model with the maximum sorption capacity of 8.2?mg-Cu²⁺/g. Removal of Cu²⁺ showed rapid initial kinetics; in 3?min removal of Cu²⁺ reached equilibrium status. Thermodynamic study revealed an exothermic sorption process. In addition, sulfonated cellulose is a kind of green and renewable sorbent because it can be easily regenerated by 0.1?M HCl.     

Application of Crosslinked Ionic Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Nanogel as Adsorbents for Water Treatment

Core-shell smart ionic nanogels based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) core and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide/acrylic acid) p(NIPAm-AAc) shell particles were successfully synthesized through a one-step surfactant-free emulsion polymerization method (SFEP). Different mole ratios of p(NIPAm-AAc) shells were synthesized. The morphologies of PVA/p(NIPAm-AAc) nanogels were investigated by transmission electron microscope (TEM). The data showed the formation of spherical nanoparticles and well-defined core-shell nanogels. PVA/p(NIPAm-AAc) core-shell nanogels were applied as a novel polymeric adsorbent to remove heavy metal pollutants from aqueous solution. Copper(II) (Cu²⁺) ions were selected as the target pollutant to evaluate these nanoparticles’ adsorption capability. The influence of the uptake conditions such as pH, weight ratio of nanoparticles, time, initial feed concentration, and adsorption temperature on the metal ion binding capacity of nanogels was also tested. Adsorption equilibrium data were calculated according to Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. It was found that the sorption of Cu²⁺ was better suited to the Freundlich adsorption model than the Langmuir adsorption model. Also, the selectivity of the nanogels toward the different metal ions such lead (Pb²⁺) and cadmium (Cd²⁺) were tested. The maximum of Cu²⁺ ions adsorbed on to PVA/p(NIPAm-AAc) core-shell nanogels adsorbent was 94 mg/g obtained under simple and fast experimental conditions, indicating these nanogels can be used as effective and practical polymeric adsorbents.     

Utilization of industrial waste as a novel adsorbent: Mono/competitive adsorption of chromium(VI) and nickel(II) using diatomite waste modified by EDTA

The adsorption of Cr(VI) and Ni(II) using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid‐modified diatomite waste (EDTA‐DW) as an adsorbent in single and binary systems was investigated. The EDTA‐DW was characterized using various analytical techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller measurements, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive spectrometry. The adsorption experiment was conducted by varying pH, adsorbent dosage, initial concentration and temperature. In the single system, the sorption data for Cr(VI) fitted the Langmuir isotherm, but the Ni(II) adsorption data fitted well the Freundlich isotherm. The maximum sorption capacity of Cr(VI) and Ni(II) was 2.9 mg g^?1 at pH = 3 and 3.64 mg g^?1 at pH = 8, respectively. The kinetic data for both Cr(VI) and Ni(II) followed well the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model in single and binary systems. Meanwhile, the extended Langmuir and extended Freundlich multicomponent isotherm models were found to fit the competitive adsorption data for Cr(VI) and Ni(II). In addition, in the binary system, the existence of Ni(II) hindered the adsorption of Cr(VI), but the presence of Cr(VI) enhanced the removal of Ni(II). This study provides some realistic and valid data about the usage of modified diatomite waste for the removal of metal ions.     

Preconcentration and Determination of Toxic Metals by A New Calix[4]arene Bonded HPLC Column

The present study deals with the preconcentration and determination of toxic metal ions using p-tetranitrocalix[4]arene (3) appended silica-based new HPLC column. The synthesized material was characterized using Fourier transform infrared and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The sorption characteristics of the HPLC column were investigated for three toxic metals (Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺) in column agreement. The experiments were performed in five steps that were monitored using a UV–visible diode-array detector. However, all the HPLC experimental results were reconfirmed by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The effect of concentration on the sorption efficiency of the column was evaluated for all the three metals and the data obtained were investigated using Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Redushkevich (D–R) sorption isotherms. The value of coefficient of determination (R ²), i.e. 0.99, suggested that the Freundlich sorption isotherm was found to be the best-fit model for all the three toxic metal ions, whereas, mean free energy was calculated from the D–R isotherm as 5.3, 5.7, and 5.8 kJ/mol for Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, and Hg²⁺, respectively; suggesting that physical electrostatic force is involved in the sorption process. The developed method was validated for system efficiency, accuracy, and precision.     

Preconcentration and Determination of Toxic Metals by A New Calix[4]arene Bonded HPLC Column

The present study deals with the preconcentration and determination of toxic metal ions using p-tetranitrocalix[4]arene (3) appended silica-based new HPLC column. The synthesized material was characterized using Fourier transform infrared and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The sorption characteristics of the HPLC column were investigated for three toxic metals (Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺) in column agreement. The experiments were performed in five steps that were monitored using a UV–visible diode-array detector. However, all the HPLC experimental results were reconfirmed by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The effect of concentration on the sorption efficiency of the column was evaluated for all the three metals and the data obtained were investigated using Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Redushkevich (D–R) sorption isotherms. The value of coefficient of determination (R ²), i.e. 0.99, suggested that the Freundlich sorption isotherm was found to be the best-fit model for all the three toxic metal ions, whereas, mean free energy was calculated from the D–R isotherm as 5.3, 5.7, and 5.8 kJ/mol for Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, and Hg²⁺, respectively; suggesting that physical electrostatic force is involved in the sorption process. The developed method was validated for system efficiency, accuracy, and precision.