Biosorptive removal of divalent lead ions in wastewater by Elodea canadensis

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to explore the feasibility of utilizing heat inactivated (killed) Elodea canadensis to eliminate divalent lead ions from water solution via batch tests. The Pb(II) biosorption features of E. canadensis biomass were examined with regard to adsorption time, solution pH value and Pb(II) concentration. Our experimental result suggested that the lead biosorption depended highly on medium pH. A pH of 5.0 is most beneficial to lead removal. The biosorption data agreed with pseudo-second-order kinetic model with an adsorption equilibrium time of 60 minutes. Isotherm data agreed with Langmuir isotherm equation with 21.36 mg/g of maximum biosorption capacity. The results suggested that E. canadensis is an inexpensive and efficient sorbent for the elimination of Pb(II) from wastewater.