Simulation and optimization of the effect of a pollutant adsorbed by clay

The elimination of hazardous pollutants present in contaminated water is a major issue for the protection of the population. At very low concentrations, hazardous and toxic products have serious effects on humans and animals. Industries introduce hazardous products into the environment through their residual emissions. Adsorption is the method used to remove organic and inorganic pollutants from solutions discharged by industry. Some hazardous products are non-degradable and resistant to the environment via drinking water. This work aims to better understand the parameters influencing the trapping of hazardous compounds in water and to develop a low-cost treatment. We considered that natural clays have a very good capacity to absorb organic pollutants in general and that, consequently, this clay could be used in water purification systems to contribute to the trapping of hazardous products. The adsorbed quantities are simulated and optimized to see the definite effects of this adsorption on the pollutant.

Dr. DJEBBAR Mustapha is an chemist, specializing in materials engineering department.