ABSTRACT

Heavy metals are one of the most toxic materials to the environment. Adsorption is the process which is used for the removal of heavy metals. Many researches have been conducted to remove heavy metals using different materials. Various adsorbents have been used to remove different type of heavy metal ions from wastewater especially those that are harmful to mankind. Activated carbons, plant or lignocellulosic wastes, clays and biopolymers are the most common adsorbents used. For this research, clay (dangara middle layer) was used as a means of absorbing heavy metal (manganese) from aqueous solution (Manganese (II) Sulphate Monohydrate MnSO₄.H₂0 ). Clay is used because of its wide spread availability and low cost when compared to other absorbents. The effect of system variables such as pH, time,  and concentration has been observed. . From the study, it showed that Dangara clay is an effective and cheap adsorbent that favorably adsorbs the Mn^{2+ .} The result obtained showed that the optimal equilibrium adsorption are 88.74% at 1.0gram adsorbent dosage, 96.5% at pH 9, 89.72% at 10mg/L of Mn^{2+ .} Initial concentration and 91.96% at agitation time of 15mins. Indicating that the adsorption of the Mn²⁺ by the clay takes place through the formation of a single monolayer of absorbed species.