Physico-chemical characterization of bentonite and its application for Mn2+ removal from water

Bentonite is mainly composed of clay minerals from smectite group, therefore it has a well developed and chemically active surface area and high cation exchange capacity. Moreover, an interlayer space of smectite has unusual hydration properties, which manifest as swelling of bentonite in water. These properties make bentonite as a commonly used raw material in chemistry and industry, and it is very important in environmental protection and water treatment as an effective sorbent of heavy metals. The results of X-ray diffraction, a cationic exchange capacity, specific surface area, acid-base properties of the surface and the swelling index showed that the bentonite sample contains mostly montmorillonite. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of bentonite in the removal of Mn2+ from aqueous systems. The experimental results of Mn2+ adsorption on the bentonite were interpreted by Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich adsorption isotherms. The adsorption isotherm studies indicate that the adsorption of Mn2+ follows Langmuir isotherm very well. Theoretical monolayer saturation capacity according to Langmuir model was 12.41 mg/g. The removal of Mn2+ is achieved by ion exchange mechanism with naturally occurring cations in bentonite, as well as by forming the inner- and outer-sphere complexes with bentonite surface.