The use of surface oxidized covellite (CuS), namely mixed phase copper sulphide (CuS and CuSO4) was studied for the removal of mercury from aqueous solution under the effect of various reaction parameters (pH, time, Hg(II) concentration). From batch sorption studies, the equilibrium data revealed that the sorption behaviour of Hg(II) onto mixed phase copper sulphide follows well with Langmuir isotherm and the maximum sorption capacity (Qmax) determined ≈ 400mg Hg(II) /g of sorbent. Meanwhile, all the unreacted and reacted mixed phase copper sulphides were also characterized by Powder XRD, SEM and XPS techniques. The results indicated that the sorption of Hg(II) onto mixed phase copper sulphide occurs initially through the dissolution of surface oxidized CuSO4layer. After that, the surface complexation product formed and sorbed onto the surface of CuS. These outcomes suggest the potential ability of CuS in removing Hg(II) even if the CuS layer is being surrounded by oxidized layer of CuSO4.
The conductivity of chalcocite, the richest copper sulphide
