Optimized Preparation of Directional Modified Attapulgiteand its Application to Adsorbance of Humic Acidin Polluted Raw Water Effluent

Natural attapulgite modified using acid activation, heat treatment, and organicmodification was investigated as a humic acid adsorbent and an optimal modificationmethod was confirmed. Results suggest that acid activation should be performedfirst and followed by organic modification. Optimum dosage of modified attapulgite was0.7 g/L and the humic acid removal rate reached 97%. Optimum modification conditionswere as follows: acid concentration at 3 mol/L, sodium chloride concentration at 0.5mol/L, sodium treatment duration was 2 h, modifier amount was 3%, and microwavemodification time was 9 min. Modified attapulgite prepared as such may be beneficial forwater treatment processes.