The College of Science at the University of Kerbala discussed a master’s thesis by Rihab Hatem Breij from the Department of Chemistry, which investigated the adsorption of Pb(II) and Cr(III) ions onto calcium bentonite clay surfaces modified with chitosan.

The study aimed to prepare chitosan-modified calcium bentonite surfaces, test their adsorption capacity for lead and chromium ions, and examine thermodynamic parameters and adsorption isotherms before and after modification.

Results revealed that modifying natural clay with chitosan significantly enhanced its maximum adsorption capacity, increased surface area, and improved its ability to remove heavy ions compared to unmodified clay.

The thesis concluded that chitosan-modified calcium bentonite clay holds strong potential for applications in wastewater treatment and oil well drilling, owing to its plasticity, expansiveness, high surface area, and layered structure.

The recommendations emphasized expanding the study to include a broader range of heavy ions, testing the system under multi-ion conditions, and exploring other natural modifiers beyond chitosan for surface improvement.