Modelling of boron removal from solutions by ion exchange for column reactor design in boron mine wastewater treatment

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ABSTRACT In this study, the performance of Purolite S 108 resin for boron removal from solutions and boron mine wastewater in a column reactor was investigated. The investigated experimental parameters for synthetic solutions were initial pH, temperature, concentration, resin amount, solution flow rate and regeneration number. When the maximum adsorption capacity values of the resin were compared, the optimum removal conditions were determined as pH (9.5), concentration (1,000 mg/L), temperature (15°C), resin amount (20 g) and solution flow rate (2.976 mL/min). The resin boron exchange capacity did not change significantly up to fifth resin use. Maximum capacity was calculated as 10.67 mg/g at 1,000 mg/L concentration. The boron exchange reaction of the Purolite S 108 resin was a slow process. The kinetics of boron removal by the resin was analyzed using the Adams–Bohart, Yoon–Nelson and Thomas models. The kinetic data showed fitness for two models except Adams–Bohart model. Also, an empirical kinetic model was developed for operation of resin column. The developed model from synthetic solution experiments was applied to the boron mine wastewater to estimate 4.55%, 45.5% and 83.33% breakthrough times for removal and recovery. The developed empirical model could estimated the these breakthrough times correctly. Resin was effective for boron.