STUDYING THE REGULARITIES OF SORPTION OF COPPER IONS BY DIATOMITE

Abstract

The potential of using natural diatomite as a sorbent for removing copper ions from aqueous solutions is considered. The presence of heavy metals in aquatic environments remains one of the most persistent environmental threats, as these elements can accumulate in living organisms and cause long-term toxic effects is consideret search for inexpensive, environmentally safe, and readily available materials for wastewater demetallization is a pressing area of modern research.

Diatomite, a porous silica-containing rock of biogenic origin, is characterized by a developed structure and a variety of active surface functional groups. These properties make it a promising sorbent for the purification of aquatic environments. The study examines the kinetic parameters of copper sorption and obtains an equilibrium isotherm reflecting the nature of the interaction of Cu²⁺ with the mineral surface.

Kinetic data showed that the absorption process begins intensively and is accompanied by a rapid decrease in copper concentration in the solution. This indicates the presence of accessible adsorption sites and a favorable surface for ion attachment. Equilibrium between the phases was established within approximately 60 minutes.

The adsorption isotherm demonstrated the saturation pattern typical of natural minerals: high absorption efficiency was observed at minimum concentrations, and with further increases in concentration, the process slowed due to filling of the active sites. The maximum sorption capacity of diatomite was 0.55 mg/g.

The results obtained indicate that natural diatomite can serve as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly sorbent for copper removal from polluted waters, especially given the significant copper reserves in Armenia.