This paper deals with the kinetic and isotherm studies of manganese ion removal by zeolite X and its hierarchically porous composites as ion-exchange materials. A hydrothermal treatment was applied to grow a layer of zeolite X over diatomite and carbon surfaces. The hierarchically porous composites used for Mn 2+ ion removal showed higher ion-exchange capacity when compared to pure zeolite X under same conditions. A thermodynamic study of the rate of ion-exchange revealed that the intra-particle diffusion rate constant of zeolite X/carbon and zeolite X/diatomite was higher than that of pure zeolite X indicating that the intra-particle diffusion was enhanced when zeolite was prepared in form of hierarchically porous composites. The study showed that the thickness of boundary film of zeolite X/carbon and zeolite X/diatomite was less than that of pure zeolite X indicating ion diffusion resistance to the active sites was reduced when the composites were utilised. The experimental data showed good agreement with Freundlich model. The calculated thermodynamic parameters such as ΔG°, ΔH° and ΔS° indicated the ion-exchange process of Mn 2+ ion by zeolite X and its composites was spontaneous, endothermic and the randomness increased at the liquid/solid interface under the conditions studied. The results of kinetic study showed that the ion-exchange of Mn 2+ ion by zeolite X and its composites followed a pseudo second order

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

In many parts of the world, groundwater is considered to be a key source of fresh water for both the domestic and non-domestic sectors. Where groundwater extraction is implemented, systems to monitor water quality must ensure a safe and sustainable supply. Over the years, Iraq has suffered from surface water quality and supply problems, necessitating groundwater extraction in many regions. This study investigates groundwater quality in a region of central Iraq around Babylon city, covering an area of 5119 km 2 . The data gathered for this study included maps, well locations and water quality data and was sourced from the relevant governmental departments. A base map of the focussed region was initially prepared following data collection. The analysed water quality parameters were used as an attribute database to produce thematic maps using a geographical information system (GIS) environment. In this paper, the Water Quality Index (WQI) and the Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI) were calculated for different groundwater samples using various parameters including the Electrical Conductivity (EC), Cl -, HCO3 -, Na + and pH.Moreover, the groundwater suitability for irrigation purposes has been assessed using indices such as Kelly's Ratio (KR), Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR), Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), Soluble Sodium Percentage (SSP) and Permeability Index (PI). Water Quality Indices maps have been developed using the GIS environment. The obtained results reveal that the groundwater in the study location requires specific treatments to be usable.