Abstract
A simple, rapid and economic procedure was presented to remove lead(II) from aqueous solution under the optimized conditions. It is bayed on the sorption of Pb2+ ions from aqueous solutions onto limestone fines (LS), which is an inexpensive and widespread over the globe, followed by flotation with oleic acid (HOL) surfactant. The different parameters (namely: solution pH, sorbent, surfactant and lead concentrations, shaking times, ionic strength, temperature and the presence of foreign ions) influencing the sorptive-flotation process were examined. Nearly, 99% of Pb2+ ions were removed from aqueous solutions at pH 7 after shaking for 5 min and at room temperature (similar to 25 degrees C). The procedure was successfully applied to recover lead(II) spiked to some natural water samples. A. mechanism for sorption and flotation is suggested.