The goal of this project is to remove lead (Pb II), copper (Cu II), and zinc (Zn II) ions from industrial stormwater runoff using diatomite modified with sodium hydroxide and manganese oxide (Mn-DM). In this system, the runoff water and diatomite (also known as diatomaceous earth) serve as absorbate and absorbent, respectively. The goal of this research is to take advantage of the high porosity and permeability, large efficient surface area, low specific gravity, large adsorption capacity, and high abundance in nature of diatomite to replace expensive and inefficient resins currently used for heavy metals removal from runoff discharge of industrial units.
