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Iron Adsorption by Montmorillonite Systems: I. Preliminary Studies¹

ABSTRACT

In the study of Fe(III) adsorption by montmorillonite systems, a number of factors which could influence the amount of Fe adsorbed were investigated. Influencing factors considered were (a) extent of anion adsorption, (b) decomposition of montmorillonite by treatment with acid-Fe(III) solutions, and (c) H⁺ ion concentration of the Fe(III) solutions added.

Samples of H-montmorillonite (Wyoming Clay Spur bentonite, < 1_µ diameter) were equilibrated with 0.1N solutions of Fe₂(SO₄)₃, FeCl₃, and Fe (NO₃)₃. Essentially the same amount of Fe(III) was adsorbed from each of the solutions used. In all cases, the amount of associated anion adsorbed was negligible. It is concluded that Fe(III) is not adsorbed as a complex ion containing sulfate, nitrate, or chloride under the conditions of this study.

H-montmorillonite was washed repeatedly with 0.1N Fe₂ (SO₄)₃, 0.1N FeCl₃, and 0.1N Fe(NO₃)₃. Each washing was analyzed for Si and Al. The results show a small but measurable amount of decomposition of montmorillonite.

The amount of Fe adsorbed by H-montmorillonite from 0.1N Fe(NO₃)₃ solutions containing increasing concentrations of HNO₃ shows that Fe adsorption is affected by the H⁺ ion concentration of the solution used.

¹ Contribution from the Department of Soils and Plant Nutrition, University of California, Davis. Presented before Div. II, Soil Science Society of America, Dec. 5, 1960, at Chicago, Ill.

² Assistant Professor of Soil Science and Research Assistant, respectively. The latter is now Assistant Professor, Department of Soils and Plant Nutrition, University of California, Riverside.

Received for publication August 5, 1960. Accepted for publication March 21, 1961.