Removal of lead ions from industrial waste water by using biomaterials - A novel method

Abstract

A simple cost effective and eco-friendly method for the remediation of lead from industrial wastewater has been investigated. A novel biomaterial, Tridax procumbens (Asteraceae) a medicinal plant, was used for the removal of lead ions from synthetic wastewater and the method was also applied for real sample analysis. The operational pH of the experimental solution was fixed as 4.5. The optimum amount of bioadsorbent was 3.5 g. The Pb(II) ions removal efficiency of the raw bioadsorbent was also determined. The removal efficiency of the activated carbon of the bioadsorbent was excellent. 98 % removal of Pb(II) ions was achieved at the dose rate of 3.5 g. The optimum contact time was estimated to be 160 minutes. © 2005 Chemical Society of Ethiopia.