EVALUATION OF UNWANA CLAY'S POTENTIAL FOR HEAVY METAL ADSORPTION: INSIGHTS INTO SEQUESTRATION CAPACITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL APPLICATIONS

Abstract

This study investigates the potential of Unwana clay, sourced from Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic in Ebonyi State, for the adsorption and sequestration of heavy metals. Utilizing a batch method at ambient temperature, we examined the sequestering process. The experimental results were found to fit the Langmuir isotherm model, indicating a high affinity for metal ion adsorption. Specifically, the maximum adsorption capacities (Q₀) were determined to be 61.3 mg Pb(II) g⁻¹ and 26.8 mg Cu(II) g⁻¹ at a pH of 7.0 and a temperature of 25ºC, using Unwana clay with a particle size of 200 mesh. The findings demonstrate that Unwana clay can effectively adsorb significant amounts of heavy metal cations from aqueous solutions. These results suggest that Unwana clay is a promising sorption material for heavy metals, potentially paving the way for new commercial applications and environmental remediation strategies.