LAUSR

There is a significant interest in mitigating copper from swine lagoons. Adsorptive removal of copper using eggshells was proposed to be an effective approach. Most of the previous research on the adsorption of copper was focused on single and binary metals. However, in swine lagoons, copper always co-occurs with acetate, ammonia, and zinc. Hence, in this research, adsorption of copper (0–150 mg L−1) on eggshells was studied in the presence of different concentrations (low, medium, and high) of acetate (250, 500, and 1000 mg L−1) ammonia (250, 500, and 1000 mg L−1), and zinc (25, 50, and 100 mg L−1), for the first time. Results indicated that at highest concentrations, adsorption was negatively affected (< 20%) by acetate and zinc. Ammonia, however, was found to enhance copper adsorption (30%) presumably by formation of ternary complexes. Considering their easy availability, eggshells appear to be promising and a practical solution for copper abatement in lagoons.Graphical AbstractArticle HighlightsEggshell was investigated as adsorbent for removal of copper in presence of acetate, zinc, and ammonia.Acetate and zinc slightly inhibited adsorption of copper.Ammonia enhanced adsorption in the relevant concentration range.