Zinc ions adsorption under dynamic conditions with the use of Georgian minerals

The article deals with the studies of chemically active natural minerals of Georgia: travertine and limestone under dynamic conditions, which have been explored for the first time as adsorbents in the process of aqueous solutions’ purification from zinc ions. Tests have been conducted in filtration columns at different hydraulic loads until the ratio of zinc concentration in sewage waters Ck to initial zinc concentration Co (Ck/Co) reached the value of 0,95. The dependence of zinc adsorption degree on aqueous solution delivery rate, time duration of adsorbent operation and dependence of zinc ions adsorption rate constant on contact time have been studied. Zinc adsorption percentage, with initial solution delivery at the rate of 0,3 l/h, was equal to 82% and 70% for limestone and travertine, respectively. The best outcome during column tests has been reached in case of limestone, for which the zinc adsorption percentage comprised 80% with contact time duration equal to 5 hours.