Attenuation of heavy metal ions by lean grade phosphorite

The sorption of heavy metal ions (Pb2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+) present as a single and as well as multiple species onto a low grade (<15%P2O5) carbonatic (CA) and siliceous (SL) phosphorite minerals from Madhya Pradesh (India) was in vestigated under natural conditions. Sorption of heavy metal ions was found to follow the order: Pb2+ >Cu2+ > Zn2+ in the cases of single and multiple species. CA was found effective in removing Pb2+ with a Pb removal of 82 - 99.9 % and a maximum L.R.C (lead removal capacity) of 0.082 g of Pb / g of carbonatic phosphorite. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd All rig hts reserved.