adsorption, surfactants

The main aim of the paper is to evaluate natural adsorbents as immobilization agents for removing surfactants from aqueous solutions. One anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and one cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylamonium bromide (CTAB) were used as model substances. As adsorbents natural coals, montmorillonite and wool were utilized. The following findings can be deduced from experimental data:?Montmorillonite and wool are very good adsorption agents for immobilization of cationic surfactant, nearly 100% of initial amount have been removed.?Adsorption capacities of coals are for CTAB similar and the worst results showed wool after pyrolysis.?Pyrolysed wool indicates the worst parameters also in the case of SDS adsorption.?Wool is not as suitable as in the case of CTAB adsorption.?The efficiency is higher when the initial concentration is lower, of course. Natural adsorbents are promising materials for waste water treatment.