Comparative study of polystyrene and polymethylmethacrylate wastes as adsorbents for sorption of Pb2+ from aqueous solution

Abstract

A comparative study of the sorption of Pb2+ from aqueous solution using polystyrene and polymethylmethacrylate wastes was investigated. The morphological features of the polymer samples were studied using the energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic batch adsorption experiments were carried out by the concentration, time and temperature effects respectively. The morphological images of the polymers showed irregular small size particles which indicated a high surface area and porosities that facilitated sorption. The adsorption studies recorded relatively rapid uptake of Pb2+ by the polymers which were mainly diffusion controlled and followed second order kinetic process. The thermodynamic studies suggested relatively low temperature (low energy) favoured sorption which was exothermic with physisorption mechanisms for both polymers.