Removal Characteristics of Heavy Metals in Acid Wastewater by Ceramics Using Natural Zeolite and Converter Slag

This study was performed to investigate the removal characteristics and mechanism of heavy metals using pellet-type ceramics(ZS ceramics), in which natural zeolite was mixed and calcined with converter slag. The optimal calcination temperature range was measured to be 600~800°C. The calcination time had little effect on the removal of heavy metal in acid wastewater. The adequate dose of ceramics was shown to be 2~5% for removal of heavy metals in acid wastewater. The maximum removal capacity of ZS ceramics for heavy metals were observed to be Al 84.7 mg/g, Cd 37.3 mg/g, Cr 81.7 mg/g, Cu 55.6 mg/g, Fe 57.2 mg/g, Mn 32.1 mg/g, Ni 38.0 mg/g, Pb 71.6 mg/g, Zn 46.3 mg/g. The pH played a pivotal role in the removal of heavy metals by ZS ceramics. The analysis results of mechanism exhibited that the ZS ceramics could act as a multi-functional ceramics for removal of heavy metals in acid wastewater by adsorption, ion-exchange, or precipitation.