Removal of Hg(II) from aqueous solution by sorption on polymerised saw dust

The ability of polymerised Saw dust to adsorb Hg(II) from water has, been carried out. The per cent Hg(II) adsorbed increased with decrease in initial concentration of Hg(II), increase in adsorbent dosage and temperature. Maximum accumulation was noted within 4 h and maximum removal (94%) was recorded below 10 mg/L of Hg(II), The process follows a first order rate kinetics with diffusion controlled nature and the data fits the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Sorbent is effective for the quantitative removal of Hg(II) over the pH range 3.5-8.5. Adsorption rate constants, and thermodynamic parameters were also presented to predict the nature of adsorption. Extraction studies confirmed that most Hg(II) could be released by exposure to 1 M HCl or chelating agent (0.1 M EDTA).