An Investigation of Cadmium Removal by Nickel Ferrite-Titanium Oxide Nanocomposite from Aqueous Solutions

Heavy metals are the most common contaminants in industrial wastewater. Cadmium is important due to its toxicity and harmful effects on human beings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the removal of cadmium from aqueous solutions by nickel ferrite-titanium oxide nanocomposite.
This experimental – laboratory study was carried out in a discontinuous system under environment temperature. Scrutiny effects of pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, initial concentration of cadmium on the adsorption and the removal of cadmium from aqueous solutions were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry (Conter AA700). Kinetic modeling and adsorption isotherms like Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin were also studied.
The highest removal percentage of cadmium was observed in pH 6, with initial concentration of 2 mg/L, in period time of 30 minutes and 0/4 g/L of nickel ferrite- titanium oxide nano-composite. The result of adsorption isotherm models showed the best relationship with Langmuir isotherm model by the correlation coefficient of 0/9905. According to the results of kinetic models, cadmium adsorption was followed by pseudo second model with the coefficient of 0/9999.
Nickel ferrite- titanium oxide nanocomposite can be used as an effective adsorbent in removal of cadmium; because it has a high efficiency in removing these element.