Removal of heavy metal from synthetic wastewater using Rice husk and Groundnut shell as adsorbents

Abstract

The industrial activities and technology development lead to a significant release of important quantities of heavy metal ions to the environment. Batch experiments were conducted to know the influence of various parameters of adsorption on removal of lead metal ions by agricultural byproducts (Groundnut shell, Rice husk and combined adsorbents). It has been found that the percentage of adsorption increases with increase in pH (in acidic range) and decreases with the increase in metal ions concentration. Equilibrium time required for the adsorption of lead by agricultural byproducts was found to be 2 hrs. The obtained results showed that the adsorption of lead by rice husk and Groundnut shell are of second order