FACTORS INFLUENCING FATE OF SOME HEAVY METALS IN AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT AND THEIR REMOVAL FROM DRINKING WATER

Abstract

Heavy metals exert toxic effects on man and could interfere with the metabolic functions of kidney, liver and the nervous system. Consequently, national regulations 'and WHO have specified the maximum contamination levels for there metals in drinking water. - The role of adsorption in the removal or reducing the concentration of heavy metals liable to be present in fresh water resources was investigated with respect to cadmium (Cd) chromium (Cr") copper (Cu) and lead (P6). - Adsorbents selected for this study were natural humic substances, clay minerals (bentonite and kaolinite), powdered activated carbon and granular activated carbon. - Obtainable results revealed that adsorption of the metals on the studied adsorbents proceeded in accordance of the classical adsorption isotherms of Freundlich and Langmuir. Results showed the specific adsorbent/adsorbate relationships and the adsorption· parameters given by. each adsorption model were evaluated.