Nanoparticles of humic acid and iron oxide were impregnated on the inert sand to produce sorbent for treating groundwater contained of cadmium and copper ions by technology of permeable reactive barrier (PRB). Sewage sludge was the source of the humic acid to prepare the coated sand by humic acid—iron oxide (CSHAIO) sorbent; so, this work is consistent with sustainable development. For 10 mg/L metal concentration, batch tests at speed of 200 rpm signified that the removal efficiencies are greater than 90% at sorbent dosage 0.25 g/ 50 mL, pH 6 and contact time 1 h. The kinetic data was well described by the Pseudo first-order model indicating that physicosorption is the predominant mechanism. The maximum adsorption capacities (qmax) were calculated by Langmuir model and their values of 25.273 and 114.142 mg/g for cadmium and copper ions respectively. Computer solution (COMSOL) Multiphysics program has utilized to simulate the metal ions transport in the column tests. Model predictions as well as experimental measurements signified that increasing bed depth with decreasing of flow rate and inlet concentration leads to delay in the propagation of metal front.
