The chlorine industry sludge (CLS), which is a solid by-product resulted from the chlorine industry plants, is successfully applied as an effective adsorbent for removal of the heavy metal ions. CLS was activated by grinding to about 10 μm particle size and burned to 700 oC for 3 h (ACLS) The physicochemical characteristics of CLS and ACLS were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with energy dispersed X-ray analysis (EDX) unit and texture propertied using N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms. CLS and ACLS are tested for removal of Cu(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II) from the wastewater solutions under various factors such as contact time, pH and adsorbent dose. Results showed that CLS as well as ACLS exhibit high removal efficiency of the studied heavy metal ions. These nominate them as low-cost adsorbent for Cu(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II) ions.
Key words: Chlorine industry sludge; heavy metals; wastewater treatment; activated brine sludge; non-activated brine sludge.
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