Mineral systems of kaolinite, montmorillonite, kaolinite and their mixtures injected with pyrite were investigated for copper and zinc removal. This study was related to simulated contaminated waters. Reactivity and removal kinetics were studied at room temperature (23 ± 2°C). The results of the empirical model revealed that, proton coefficient of mineral systems exhibited complex behavior. Kinetic model revealed that intraparticle diffusion was involved in the sorption process. Differences in mass transfer rates may be attributed to differences in the external surface areas of the mixed mineral systems and the complex behavior of these metals under sulfidic-anoxic condition.

Keywords: Mineral systems, clay minerals, iron sulfide, goethite, sorption, reactivity, removal kinetics.