Investigation of the Feasibility of Using Bulkaz Clay, Employed in Traditional Ceramic Production (Sivas Pottery), for the Removal of Cadmium (II) Ions from Wastewater in an Ultrasonic Environment, and Analysis of the Influencing Parameters

This study aimed to investigate the sustainability of raw material use by exploring the potential applications of local clay—which is highly plastic and traditionally used in pottery production (Sivas Pottery)—in a different field. As part of the study, cadmium removal via adsorption was investigated using local raw material sourced from the Bulkaz region of the Sivaslı district in Uşak (Turkey) to treat synthetic cadmium(II)-containing solutions. In the study, parameters affecting adsorption were examined using the Response Surface Model (RSM) and the Box-Behnken design, and optimal values were determined. Additionally, experiments for cadmium (II) removal were repeated using the same activated adsorbent. The parameters examined were the pH of the wastewater, temperature, and adsorption time. The results of the study indicated that the most suitable conditions were pH = 2.11, temperature = 36 °C, and adsorption time = 72 min. Consequently, removal efficiencies of up to 93% were achieved when the appropriate pH, temperature, and adsorption time were used.