Kinetics of zinc ions removal from effluents using ion exchange resin

The ability of a new ion exchange resin to remove zinc ions from effluent has been studied. The equilibrium exchange capacity has been determined as 2.7 mmol/g resin and analysed using the Langmuir, Freundlich and Redlich-Peterson equations. The Redlich-Peterson gave the best-fit to the experimental data. A series of kinetic studies were carried out in an agitated batch reactor. Three variables were studied, initial zinc ion concentration, resin mass and resin particle size. The results were analysed using three kinetic models, pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order and the Elovich model. The results were compared on the basis of SSE values and the best-fit correlation of the experimental data was obtained using the Elovich model which suggests a chemisorption process.