Application of new biosorbent based on chemicaly modified Lagenaria vulgaris shell for the removal of copper(II) from aqueous solutions: Effects of operational parameters

Abstract

In present study a low cost biosorbent derived from Lagenaria vulgaris plant by xanthation, was tested for its ability to remove copper from aqueous solution. The effect of contact time, initial pH, initial concentration of copper(II) ions and adsorbent dosage on the removal efficiency were studied in a batch process mode. The optimal pH for investigated metal was 5. A dosage of 4 g dm-3 of xanthated Lagenaria vulgaris biosorbent (xLVB) was found to be effective for maximum uptake of copper(II). The kinetic of sorption of metal was fast, reaching at equilibrium in 50 min. The kinetic data were found to follow closely the pseudo-second-order model. The adsorption equilibrium was described well by the Langmuir isotherm model with maximum adsorption capacity of 23.18 mg g-1 copper(II) ions on xLVB. The presence of sulfur groups on xLVB were identified by FTIR spectroscopic study. Copper removal efficiency was achieved at 81.35% from copper plating industry wastevater.nema