Removal of lead(II) and cadmium(II) ions from wastewater using activated biocarbon

M. Singanan

ABSTRACT: The effective removal of heavy metals from industrial wastewater is among the most important issues for many industrialized countries. Removal of lead(II) and cadmium(II) from aqueous solutions were studied using Tridax procumbens (Asteraceae). Batch adsorption experiments were performed as a function of pH, contact time, solute concentration and adsorbent dose. The optimum pH required for maximum adsorption was found to be 4.5 and 4.8 for lead and cadmium, respectively. The maximum contact time for the equilibrium condition is 180 min at the sorbent dose rate of 2.5 g. The maximum efficiencies of lead and cadmium removal by biocarbon were 95% and 98%, respectively. The results were well fitted by both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models.

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Environmental Technology Research Centre, PG Dept. of Chemistry, Government Arts College (Autonomous), Kumbakonam - 612 001, Tamil Nadu, India

* Corresponding author, E-mail: msinganan@yahoo.com

Received 17 May 2010, Accepted 31 Mar 2011