Thesis

Investigating the sorption capacity of clay for the removal of potentially toxic elements from water and its capacity to immobilise lead and zinc in contaminated soil

Creator
Rights statement
Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2026
Thesis identifier
  • T17614
Person Identifier (Local)
  • 202186704
Qualification Level
Qualification Name
Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • Industrial and mining activities have polluted water and soil with potentially toxic elements (PTE), threatening rural health where remediation options are limited. Natural clays provide a low-cost, sustainable solution by effectively removing and immobilising contaminants through their high cation exchange capacity, large surface area and porous structure. This study investigated the PTE remediation potential of four Nigerian clays. Analytical techniques including X-ray diffraction, microscopy, infrared spectrometry and surface area analysis revealed illite as the dominant mineral phase, with traces of kaolinite. The clays exhibited spongy textures and stacked flake morphologies with Al, Fe, O, and Si as major elemental constituents. All clay samples showed high adsorption efficiencies for Cd, Cr and Pb, achieving over 90 % removal from water, except for As. Adsorption occurred rapidly, with equilibrium reached within 20 minutes and was enhanced by higher pH levels and increased clay dosage. Competitive sorption effects were observed due to the presence of multiple cations in solution. Eme clay demonstrated potential for immobilising Pb and Zn in contaminated soils, especially at 10 % amendment rate, resulting in lower uptake of Pb and Zn by plants. Higher concentrations of Pb and Zn were recorded in roots than in above-ground part of the plant. Clay amendments influenced plant growth and biomass with rapid growth more pronounced in the 10 % amended soil. The Nigerian clays show promise as effective and low-cost materials for PTE remediation in contaminated water and soil, thereby mitigating the health risks associated with PTE contamination. Their mineral composition, mesoporous structure and rapid adsorption mechanism make them suitable for environmental applications, especially in resource-limited rural settings.
Advisor / supervisor
  • Davidson, C. M.
  • Lau, K. H.A.
Resource Type
DOI
Date Created
  • 2025
Embargo Note
  • The digital version of this thesis is restricted to Strathclyde users only until 2nd March 2031

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