International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 08 | Aug 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
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Characterization and possibility of bentonite regeneration after adsorption of Pb and Cu ions Amra Odobašić1, Indira Šestan1, Amna Karić2, Melisa Ahmetović1, Husejin Keran1 1University of Tuzla, Faculty of Technology , Department of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry,
Urfeta Vejzagića 8, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina Department of Chemical Engineering, Travnička cesta 1, Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina ---------------------------------------------------------------------***--------------------------------------------------------------------1.INTRODUCTION Abstract - The concept of circular economy came to life as 2University of Zenica, Faculty of Engineering and Natural sciences,
an idea among economists in 1990, and for the chemical and other industrial branches it is only gaining importance. The countries of the Western Balkans committed themselves to the implementation of the Green Deal when signing the Sofia Agreement, which includes a gradual transition to a circular economy model. In October 2020, the European Commission announced an economic investment plan for the Western Balkans, within which it will provide up to 30 billion euros for the purpose of supporting sustainable connectivity, human resources, energy, green transition and implementation of the Green Agenda, and therefore initiatives in the field of circular economy [1]. By means of the 9R principles of the circular economy (according to English, refuse, rethink, reduce, reuse, repair, refurbish, remanufacture, repurpose, recycle, recover), the degree of realization of the circular economy can be monitored [2].
Heavy metals such as Pb and Cu are a serious environmental problem, because their presence in water can have negative consequences for human health and ecosystems. The increased concentration of heavy metals in water is the result of industrial activities, agriculture, urbanization and other human activities. Lead and copper are particularly significant because of their toxicity and long-term effects on organisms. Bentonite is a type of clay that is widely used in the adsorption process due to its favorable characteristics, such as high surface area, the ability to retain various ions, and a favorable price-efficiency ratio. Due to its physico-chemical properties, bentonite is used to remove heavy metals from polluted water and soil. Many studies have shown the efficiency of bentonite in removing Pb and Cu ions, which makes it a potential material for the treatment of polluted waters. According to literature data, the efficiency of adsorption of Pb and Cd from wastewater using bentonite ranges between 90-98%, and for Cu between 85-92%[3]. Fast adsorption has great practical significance, as it enables water purification in a short period of time, which contributes to greater economy and efficiency of the process. Bentonite regeneration after adsorption of heavy metals is of key importance for economically and environmentally sustainable cleaning technologies. Testing the possibility of regeneration enables the reuse of bentonite, which reduces the need for its constant replacement and optimizes economic profitability. Different regeneration methods (such as acid and base washing, electrokinetic cleaning, etc.) can be applied, but it should be investigated which one is the most effective and environmentally friendly.
Bentonite, due to its unique adsorption properties, is widely used in the industry for water purification and removal of impurities in oils. However, after use, its further treatment and recycling become key issues for the sustainability of these processes. The results of the adsorption experiments show that bentonite has a high adsorption capacity to remove Pb and Cu ions (the efficiency for both Pb and Cu was over 98%). Research results indicate that bentonite can be regenerated and reused in various industrial processes, which contributes to reducing waste and improving sustainability in industrial applications. HCL acid with a concentration of 0.2 mol/l was used for bentonite regeneration after Pb adsorption, and HCL with a concentration of 0.01 mol/l was used for bentonite regeneration after Cu adsorption. The regeneration efficiency for Pb ions in the first cycle was 74.5807%, in the second 44.5775%, and in the third cycle 42.7355%. The regeneration efficiency for Cu ions in the first cycle was 100%, in the second cycle 98.843% and in the third cycle 98.837%.
The aim of this work was to characterize bentonite as an adsorbent for Pb and Cu ions and examine the efficiency of the adsorption process as well as the possibility of bentonite regeneration after adsorption.
Key Words: bentonite, adsorption, lead, copper, adsorption capacity, regeneration.
2. MATERIAL AND METHODS As a material in this paper used natural bentonite from Bosnia and Herzegovina, product of company “Bentoproduct” Šipovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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