Investigations of different kinetic models of copper ions sorption on zeolite 13X Original Research Article

Removal of copper ions from aqueous solutions using zeolite 13X has been studied by a batch technique. Experiments were carried out as a function of solute concentration, temperature and particle size. Several kinetic models were used to test the experimental rate data and to examine the controlling mechanism of the sorption process. Lagergren pseudo first order and the pseudo second order (Ho) models were analyzed using nonlinear regression technique while Weber–Morris model was analyzed using linear least squares method. The obtained results indicated that synthetic zeolite 13X could be used as an efficient material for the removal of copper ions from wastewaters. The sorption capacity of copper ions increases with the initial concentration and temperature. Particle size has a negligible effect on the sorption capacity of zeolite 13X. Kinetic study has shown that the best fit is achieved when the Weber–Morris model was applied and that sorption is controlled by intraparticle diffusion.