Decontamination of Heavy and Trace Metals by Using Natural Sorbents: A Case Study of Chemical Laboratory Wastewater Treatment

Chemical wastewater treatment in laboratories poses a significant challenge due to the complex nature of the contaminants involved. Humic materials and clay have emerged as promising solutions for remediation due to their unique properties, such as high adsorption capacity and ability to form stable complexes with heavy metals. This research explores the potential of humic materials and clay in wastewater treatment by evaluating their effectiveness in removing various chemicals commonly found in laboratory effluents. Ultimately, this research aims to contribute to developing sustainable and cost-effective approaches for managing chemical wastewater in laboratories. Humic acid demonstrated a higher affinity for specific metals, with Cobalt (Co) showing the highest uptake, followed by Manganese (Mn) and Molybdenum (Mo), among other elements. On the other hand, the natural clay sample exhibited a different uptake sequence, indicating its distinct sorption preferences for various metals. The notable uptake of Molybdenum (Mo), Barium (Ba), and Arsenic (As) by the clay sample underscores its potential as an effective sorbent for these elements in wastewater treatment applications.