Development of porous clay-based composites for the sorption of lead from water

Lead contamination of water is a major health hazard, as illustrated by the fact that exposure to this metal has been associated with death and diseas e in humans, birds, and animals. The present research was aimed at the deve lopment of a porous, solid-phase sorbent that can be used in the remediatio n of lead-contaminated water. A suitable sorbent was identified by screenin g various clays and other materials for their ability to effectively bind l ead. The clay was adhered to a solid support using an aqueous solution of c arboxymethyl cellulose. The binary composite was then tested for its abilit y to bind lead from solution, while providing void volume, increased surfac e area, and considerably enhanced hydraulic conductivity. The results sugge sted that a combination of sodium montmorillonite clay and carbon exhibited enhanced sorption of lead compared to carbon alone, and also supported the potential application of various combinations of sorbent materials. This v alue-added combination of clay, solid support, and adhesive will allow for the construction of column filtration systems that are multifunctional and capable of purifying large volumes of contaminated water.