Surface characterization of a bentonite-vermiculite mixture as a cost-effective adsorbents for oil removal from water
Lepesbayeva G. Belgibayeva D. Amerkhanova S. Biktasova A. Aikenova N. Abilova G.
November 2025Elsevier B.V.
Results in Chemistry
2025#18
This study assesses the sorption efficiency of mineral-sedimentary rocks—dolomite, bentonite clay, and a vermiculite–bentonite composite—for eliminating petroleum contaminants from wastewater. The adsorption properties and chemical composition of the starting materials were investigated by titrimetry, pH-metry, FTIR, SEM, XRD, and ζ-potential analysis. The comparative analysis revealed that the sorption capacity of the bentonite–vermiculite composite reached 125 mg/g, exceeding that of pure bentonite 90 mg/g, and that of dolomite 41 mg/g. The results show that adsorption on bentonite clay and on the vermiculite–bentonite composite is governed by the physicochemical characteristics of their surface layers and is accurately described by the PSO kinetic equation, whose parameters display a pronounced linear correlation. An optimal vermiculite-to-bentonite ratio that maximizes sorption capacity was identified. The composites enhanced efficiency is attributed to surface activation associated with higher contents of silicon and iron oxides, which generate additional active sites. Compared with the pristine natural mineral rocks, the composite exhibits markedly superior removal efficiency and retains its structural integrity after adsorption, highlighting its potential for industrial wastewater-treatment applications.
Adsorption , Bentonite clay , Dolomite , TOT , Vermiculite , Wastewater , Ζ-Potential
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Department of Chemistry, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Satpayev Street 2, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
K. Zhubanov Aktobe Regional University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
Department of Chemistry
K. Zhubanov Aktobe Regional University
10 лет помогаем публиковать статьи Международный издатель
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