Synthesis of Mg(II) doped ferrihydrite-humic acid coprecipitation and its Pb(II)/Cd(II) ion sorption mechanism

A magnesium doped ferrihydrite-humic acid coprecipitation (Mg-doped Fh-HA) was synthesized by coprecipitation method. The removal of heavy metals such as Pb(II) and Cd(II) was assessed. The isotherms and kinetic studies indicated that the Mg-doped Fh-HA exhibited a remarkable Pb(II) and Cd(II) sorption capacity (maximum 120.43 mg/g and 27.7 mg/g, respectively.) in aqueous solution. The sorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II) onto best fitted pseudo-second-order kinetic equation and Langmuir model. The adsorption mechanism of Mg-doped Fh-HA on Pb(II) and Cd(II) involves surface adsorption, surface complexation and surface functional groups (such as carboxyl group, hydroxyl group). In addition, ion-exchange and precipitation cannot be ignored. The Mg-doped Fh-HA is a low-cost and high-performance adsorption material and has a wide range of application prospects.