Assessment of sorption capability of montmorillonite clay for lead removal from water using laser–induced breakdown spectroscopy and atomic absorption spectroscopy

Laser–induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) techniques were applied for quantitative analysis of the remaining Pb content in water samples after treatment with a raw montmorillonite (MMT) and an organic derivative (MMO) clays for heavy metal removal, an issue of crucial importance for decontamination of water bodies. The Pb sorption capabilities of MMT and MMO clays were assessed by using solutions with known Pb concentrations, in the range 100–500 ppm. To carry out the LIBS analysis, the samples were prepared in the form of solid pellets with powdered calcium hydroxide addition. The measurement conditions were optimized to achieve reliable analytical results and the plasma parameters, i.e., temperature and electron density, were obtained. For quantification purpose, a calibration curve was constructed with the Pb I emission line at 4057.8 Å measured at the time window 30–45 μs by using reference samples with Pb concentrations in the range 56–715 ppm. The Pb residual content in the liquid samples determined with LIBS showed a good agreement with those measured with AAS. The sorption efficiency of Pb from contaminated water was calculated through a sorption percentage S Pb %. The calculated S Pb % was higher for MMT (56%–100%) than for MMO (27%–47%). The results also demonstrated the usefulness of LIBS method for the determination of Pb concentrations in liquid samples.