EFFECT OF CLAY AND GOETHITE MINERAL SYSTEMS ON THE REMOVAL OF MERCURY FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION PART 1

Mineral systems of clay and goethite were investigated to determine their effect on mercury removal. The batch mode study was conducted at room temperature (23±2°C). Reactivity studies revealed high levels of protonation during the mercury removal process. However, these proton coefficients were less than 2. Kinetic studies revealed two- phase reactions. These reaction phases were linked to outer sphere complexation and inner sphere complexation. Minimal intra-particle diffusion was involved. The mass transfer rate was higher in the first reaction phase when compared with the second reaction phase.