Effect of hydroxyapatite (HAp) adsorbent dosage towards lead removal

Abstract

Lead (Pb) is a type of heavy metal that requires removal treatment in the waterworks industry due to its deleterious effects on human health and the ecosystem. In the present work, hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanopowder was successfully developed from Tilapia sp. fish scales via chemical heat treatment method. The removal of Pb in solution was investigated by 1, 2, and 4% HAp adsorbent dosage. FESEM analysis shows the formation of the nanoporous structure of the adsorbent, while FTIR analysis exhibit the presence of phosphate and hydroxyl groups that contribute to the chemisorption process. EDX analysis confirms the Ca/P ratio of 1.96, which was slightly greater than the stoichiometric ratio of pure HAp at 1.67. XRD analysis reveals sharp diffraction lines that indicate the crystallinity of HAp adsorbent. Batch adsorption experiment recorded maximum Pb removal at 4 % HAp dosage with 100% removal in 10 min.