Biosorption of lead II Ions from synthetic waste water using eucalyptus leaves derived adsorbent.

Abstract

The adsorption of lead ions by eucalyptus leaves was investigated under batch mode. Eucalyptus leaves were chosen because of high removal capacity, low cost and easy accessibility. Characterization of adsorbent such as moisture content was done prior to the biosorption process. The effects of particle dosage, contact time, solution pH, initial metal ion concentration of aqueous solution was investigated. Maximum removal of lead ions took place at a pH of 6-7. The adsorption of the lead ions increased with increase in the ratio of the dosage of the adsorbent to the concentration of lead ions. Agitation speed was observed to increase the number of ions that adsorbed on the adsorbent for research but was kept at a constant 150 rpm for the duration of the project. Lead ion adsorption was considered a fast process with almost all the adsorption taking place in the first 5 minutes upon contact of the adsorbent with aqueous solution. Twenty minutes of equilibration time was found to be adequate for adsorption of the metal ions yielding almost 100% adsorption at low ion concentration. This study showed the efficiency of eucalyptus leaves as a viable low-cost adsorbent for biosorption.