Removal of of pb(II), cd(II), cu(II) and ni(II) ions from aqueous solution using pentaclethra macrophylla stem activated carbon

Abstract

Pentaclethra Macrophylla stem activated carbon (PMSAC) was utilized as biomass derived adsorbent for adsorption of Pb(II), Cd(II), Cu(II) and Ni(II) from aqueous solution. The activation was chemically carried out using ZnCl 2 solution. The Physicochemical analysis of PMSAC showed high fixed carbon and pore volume values. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray were used to characterize the PMSAC. Simultaneous batch adsorptions used to evaluate the optimal operational conditions for the adsorption showed initial metal ions concentration (5 mg/L), solution pH (6), contact time (90 min), adsorbent dose (3.0 g for Cd(II) and 4.0 g for Pb(II), Cu(II) and Ni(II), particle size (30 µm) and carbonization temperature (400 o C). The Langmuir isotherm model gave better fit for the adsorption process. Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm indicates physical adsorption. The kinetics and thermodynamic parameters were studied.