Application of raw volcanic rock found in etna valley as an adsorbent of chromates, arsenates and selenates

Abstract

This paper aims to determine the potential of volcanic rock found in Etna valley as an adsorbent of heavy metals in anionic form (chromates, arsenates, and selenates). Characterization of the volcanic rock was done with chemical methods (AAS, AES, gravimetric analysis, XRF), physicochemical methods (XRD, FTIR, SEM, DTA, DTG) and physical methods (porosity measurement, Microscopy in transmitted light). Also, equilibrium adsorption capacity was determined. All the results of adsorption capacity were satisfying considering the mineral composition, granulation, and porosity. The removal efficiency of chromates was the biggest (above 30 %) with adsorption capacity of 15.6 mg Cr g(-1). The lowest adsorption efficiency was with the selenates, approximately 18 %.