DOI: 10.18596/jotcsa.1884931 ISSN: 2149-0120

Optimization of pH in Heavy Metal Adsorption Using Natural and Activated Bentonite for Multi-Component Aqueous Solutions Containing Cu²⁺, Fe³⁺, and Pb²⁺

Jilan Nafisah Koenang, Tuty Emilia Agustina, Tine Aprianti, Susila Arita, Novia Novia, Muhrinsyah Fatimura
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Heavy metal pollution, including Cu²⁺, Fe³⁺, and Pb²⁺ is a significant environmental concern due to their toxic nature, posing a risk to living organisms and the environment. Adsorption using bentonite as an adsorbent is an efficient approach for removing heavy metal pollutants from water. This study employs three forms of bentonite: natural bentonite, acid-activated bentonite, and acid-thermal activated bentonite. The activation process aims to enhance surface area, porosity, and the number of active sites while removing impurities from the bentonite surface. This research focuses on identifying the optimal pH for heavy metal adsorption using bentonite, and on comparing surface property changes between natural and activated bentonite using SEM-EDX. Adsorption was conducted using a multi-component aqueous solution containing Cu²⁺, Fe³⁺, and Pb²⁺ ions at pH levels of 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. The findings revealed that acid-activated and acid-thermal activated bentonite exhibited more open and porous surface structures, as well as a greater number of active sites, compared to natural bentonite. Acid-thermal activated bentonite was the most effective adsorbent for removing heavy metals at pH 7 for Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺. At pH 7, acid-activated bentonite was shown to be the most effective adsorbent for removing Fe³⁺ heavy metal ion.

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