Potential of using NaHCO3 as a precipitation agent for the removal of Cd(II) ions

Abstract

Cadmium is recognized as one of the most hazardous  heavy metals, ranking among the top ten in terms of toxicity. With the growing industrial reliance  on cadmium for various manufacturing processes, concerns have risen within the scientific community regarding its presence in wastewater and the challenges associated with its removal. This research investigates the potential for removing Cd(II) ions from a synthetic aqueous solution by  utilizing NaHCO₃ as a precipitant agent. The removal efficiency exceeded 99%, with the most effective conditions identified as: pH 8 , a stirring speed 300 rpm, a stirring duration of 5 minutes, and a precipitant dosage of 90 mg. Additionally, removal  efficiencies of 96.256% and 91.234% were achieved  at cadmium concentrations of 150 mg/L and 300 mg/L,  respectively. The removal of Cd(II) ions was found to be more efficient in a mixture of metals, with the an efficiency above 98% compared to when individual metals were considered in isolation.