Papers by Author: Josino C. Moreira

Abstract: Polymeric sponges coated with hydroxyapatite were used in lead and cadmium uptake experiments in order to mimetizes heavy metal incorporation by bone tissue. The hydroxyapatite-coated sponges (S-HA) were obtained by hydrothermal alkali conversion from monetite. The results showed that S-HA were efficient in immobilizing Pb and Cd. The uptake experiments using hydroxyapatite powder (HA) removed almost 100% of Pb2+ and 59% of Cd2+. When polymeric sponges coated with hydroxyapatite were used, the removal of Cd2+ and Pb2+ decreased, respectively, to closely 14 % and 74%, after 24 hours sorption. Before and after sorption experiment MEV analysis indicated precipitation of pyromorphite on hydroxyapatite-coated sponges.