Investigation of Cadmium removal efficiency by Clinoptilolite from aqueous solutions

The industrial wastewater containing heavy metals is one of the major environmental pollutants. Cadmium is a heavy metal resulting from electroplating، tanning، glass industries and it is also highly toxic to human and the environment، so it must be removed or reduced down to effluent standards. The aim of current study was to investigate the Cadmium removal efficiency by Clinoptilolite from aqueous solutions. In this experimental study، the effects of some parameters، such as pH، contact time and initial concentration of Cd on removal efficiency were studied. All examinations conducted in a batch system. Results show that removal efficiency of cadmium increases by increasing pH from 6 to 8 and contact time from 30 to 90 minute. The lowest removal rate of cadmium was in Concentration of 20 mg/L with 43. 84% and the highest resulted in 10mg / L concentration with 74. 44%. This study shows that Clinoptilolite can be used successfully in industrial wastewater treatment because its high removal efficiency and low costs as well as its accessibility.