Abstract: To efficiently remove heavy metal lead ions from aqueous solutions，mechanical activa⁃ tion was applied to the natural clay mineral talc. The effect of activated talc on precipitating lead ions was explored，and the mechanism was analyzed. The study shows that mechanical activation induces lattice distortion in talc，reducing its crystallinity until complete amorphization. Active hydroxyl groups on the talc surface are exposed and dissolved，reacting with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to form basic lead carbonate precipitation with lead ions. Compared with natural talc with lower reactivity，mechanical activa⁃ tion significantly enhances the physical and chemical properties of the mineral. When the ball mill speed is 400 r/min and the talc dosage is 0.4 g/L，the treatment capacity of mechanically activated talc for lead ions in a 500 mg/L lead nitrate solution reaches more than 1 069 mg/g. The research results provide a new approach for the resource utilization of clay minerals，and have the dual benefits of environmental remedia⁃ tion and solid waste utilization，which is of great significance for promoting the green and sustainable de⁃ velopment of heavy metal wastewater treatment.

Key words: talc, mechanical activation, lead ions, wastewater treatment