Immobilization of Ligands on Surfactant Coated Alumina for Removal of Cations

In this research new adsorbents were prepared by modification of surfactant-coated -alumina with three ligands; 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphtol (PAN), dithizone (HDZ) and dimetyl golyoxime (DMG). The adsorbents were used for removal and pre-concentration of Pb+2, Cd+2, Ni+2, Cu+2, Co+2. Aqueous solutions of the metal ions were passed through a column filled with the adsorbent and the retained cations were eluted with nitric acid. Recoveries greater than 96% were obtained for most studied cations. The selectivity of the adsorbent was examined in the presence of different interfering cations. The results showed that the synthesized adsorbents posseses good capacity and selectivity for the most studied cations. The reusability test of the adsorbent showed its capability after five adsorption–elution cycles.