Use of Cyclic Voltammetry to Evaluate Sorption Properties of Cork Residues Towards Mn(II) in Waters

Cyclic voltammetry is proposed for evaluating the ability of cork wastes to remove Mn(II) ions by sorption from waters to be used for public supply. As the first stage, the concentration of several naturally occurring cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺ and Na⁺) were analyzed in the acid washings that were performed to remove them from the cork. The obtained results were then related to the total concentrations of cations released, as measured by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy of solutions made by dissolving ashed samples. Cyclic voltammetry is proposed to measure the manganese concentration in the uptake solutions because it allows the metal oxidation state to be controlled, and was determined to be suitable for use with standard addition methods. Contact time and particle size effects on Mn(II) sorption were evaluated.