Retention mechanisms of Cd on illite

The adsorption of metals by clay minerals is a complex process involving different mechanisms, and is controlled by different variables which can interact. The aim of this work was to study the retention mechanisms of Cd on illite. We obtained Cd adsorption isotherms at constant pH, adsorption edges as a function of pH, adsorption isotherms at 5, 25 and 45degreesC (pH = 7), and response surfaces of the simultaneous effect of pH, initial concentration, ionic strength, and temperature on the retention of Cd on illite. Below PH 6. adsorption of Cd on illite is via ion exchange with H3O+ and Na+ ions which saturate the exchange sites, the exchange with Na+ being the main mechanism between pH 4.5 and 6.0. For pH values >6, the effect of ionic strength on the amount of Cd2+ retained decreased with pH, being negligible at pH 8, the proton stoichiometry was greater than for pH values <6 and an increase in the temperature favored the retention of Cd. These facts are compatible with a more specific process involving hydrolyzed species, in which Cd can associate with illite as an inner sphere complex.