A green method for the removal of zinc(Ii) ions from wastewater using modifed biopolymers

Abstract

Zinc pollution in wastewater is a global problem because it is highly toxic. Zinc is commonly used in industries that transfer the water containing zinc directly into water sources, leading to pollution. Exposure to a high level of zinc causes major health problems. This study evaluated the adsorption of zinc ions from aqueous system using modified biopolymers of chitosan by crosslinking with sulphates using the batch adsorption method; the concentration was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The sulphate cross-linked chitosan (SCC) was characterised by several method. The effects of various experimental parameters such as pH, contact time, concentration, adsorbent dosage and temperature were investigated. Under the optimised conditions, the percentage efficiency for the removal of zinc(II) was up to 85%. Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms were used to analyse the equilibrium adsorption data along with kinetic studies. Various thermodynamic parameters have also been reported.