Removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions using activated carbon prepared from Cicer arietinum

Removal of Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, and Zn²⁺ from aqueous solutions by activated carbon prepared from stems and seed hulls of Cicer arietinum, an agricultural solid waste, has been studied. The influence of various parameters, such as pH, contact time, adsorbent dose, and initial concentration of metal ions on removal was evaluated. The activated carbon was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and elemental analysis. Sorption isotherms were studied using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. All experimental sorption data were fitted to the sorption models using nonlinear least-squares regression. The maximum adsorption capacity values for activated carbon prepared from Cicer arietinum waste for metal ions were 18 mg g^?1 (Cu²⁺), 18 mg g^?1 (Cd²⁺), 20 mg g^?1 (Pb²⁺), and 20 mg g^?1 (Zn²⁺), respectively. The Freundlich isotherm model fit was best, followed by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Desorption studies were carried out with dilute hydrochloric acid for quantitative recovery of the metal ions and for regeneration of the adsorbent.     

Immobilized Lentinus edodes residue as absorbent for the enhancement of cadmium adsorption performance

To investigate the potential use of Lentinus edodes (L. edodes) residue for Cd²⁺ adsorption, poly alcohol Na alginate (PVA) was applied to immobilize it. The parameters including contact time, pH, adsorbent dosages, and coexisting metal ions were studied. The suitable pH for immobilized L. edodes was 4?C7 wider than that for raw L. edodes (pH 6?C7). In the presence of Pb²⁺ concentration varying from 0 to 30 mg·L^?1, the Cd²⁺ adsorption ratios declined by 6.71% and 47.45% for immobilized and raw L. edodes, respectively. While, with the coexisting ion Cu²⁺ concentration varied from 0 to 30 mg·L^?1, the Cd²⁺ adsorption ratios declined by 12.97% and 50.56% for immobilized and raw L. edodes, respectively. The Cd²⁺ adsorption isotherms in single-metal and dual-metal solutions were analyzed by using Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevich models. The Cd²⁺ adsorption capacities (q _m) in single-metal solution were 6.448 mg·L^?1 and 2.832 mg·L^?1 for immobilized and raw L. edodes, respectively. The q _m of immobilized L. edodes were 1.850 mg Cd·g^?1 in Cd²⁺ + Pb²⁺ solution and 3.961 mg Cd·g^?1 in Cd²⁺ + Cu²⁺ solution, respectively. The Cd²⁺ adsorption processes subjected to both adsorbents follow pseudo-second-order model. Mechanism study showed the functional group of L. edodes was -OH, -NH, -CO, and PVA played an important role in metal adsorbing. Mining wastewater treatment test showed that PVA-SA-immobilized L. edodes was effective in mixed pollutant treatment even for wastewater containing metal ions in very low concentration.     

Suitability of various chemically prepared activated carbons for the removal of copper(II) ions

Studies on the suitability of various chemically prepared activated carbons (CPACs) like straw carbon (SC), sawdust carbon (SDC), dates nut carbon (DNC) and commercial activated carbon (CAC) for the removal of copper(II) ions by adsorption from simulated wastewater have been carried out under batch mode at 30?±?1°C and the results are compared. The percentage removal of Cu(II) ions increased with a decrease in initial concentration, particle size and added electrolytes (ionic strength) and increased with an increase in contact time, dose of adsorbent and initial pH of the solution. The adsorption data were fitted with the Langmuir isotherm. The applicability of the first order kinetic equation viz. Lagergren equation was tested by correlation analysis. The adsorption process is concluded to be a spontaneous, first order reaction, occurring with increased randomness at the solid–liquid interface. Studies on the desorption of Cu²⁺-loaded activated carbons (ACs) were carried out with nitric acid (0.2–1?N). The possibility of reuse of the regenerated ACs in cycle (in cue-one after another) was tested. SC was found to be a suitable adsorbent alternative to CAC among CPACs for the removal of metal ions, in general, and Cu²⁺ ions, in particular.     

Removal of Eu3+, Ce3+, Sr2+, and Cs+ ions from radioactive waste solutions by modified activated carbon prepared from coconut shells

As a biomass agricultural waste material, coconut shells were used for the preparation of high-quality modified activated carbon. Chemical modification of the surface of the prepared activated carbon is done by oxidation using H₂O₂ and HNO₃, respectively. The surface area and pore volume of the coconut shells activated carbon are increased by the chemical modification, and followingly the removal of the metals is improved. The structural morphology and composition of the modified activated carbon coconut shells (MACCS) were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, thermogravimetric analysis–differential thermal analysis (TGA-DTA), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), surface area analysis (SAA), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur (CHNS) elemental analysis. The prepared MACCS has reasonably good chemical stability. The influence of solution pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, adsorption temperature, initial metal concentrations, and interfering ions on the adsorption performance of the investigated ions onto the prepared sorbent was examined by a batch method. The selectivity sequence for sorption of Eu³⁺, Ce³⁺, Sr²⁺, and Cs⁺ ions on MACCS was found to be Eu^3+?>?Ce^3+?>?Sr^2+?>?Cs⁺. The saturation capacities of MACCS for the studied metal ions were found to be 136.84, 85.55, 69.85, and 60.00?mg?g^?1 for Eu³⁺, Ce³⁺, Sr²⁺, and Cs⁺ ions, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters, ΔH°, ΔS°, and ΔG° were also evaluated.     

Nano-titanium dioxide (TiO2)-induced changes affecting Cu2+-mediated alterations in bacterium Bacillus subtilis and α-amylase

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles possess the potential to coexist with Copper (Cu²⁺) in soil. The individual and combined toxicity of these two chemicals was evaluated using the bacterium Bacillus subtilis, a known soil model bacterium. Cu²⁺ (6.25–50?µg?mL^?1) alone produced toxicity to bacteria as evidenced by the decreased cell viability and deceased α-amylase production. The addition of TiO₂ (50?mg?mL^?1) enhanced the Cu²⁺-induced decrease in cell viability but elevated amylase activity. TiO₂ did not markedly affect the growth rate and lag period. A primary cause of TiO₂ increasing Cu²⁺ toxicity is presumed to be associated with hydroxyl radical formation, while increased amylase activity is considered to arise from Cu²⁺ facilitating TiO₂ degradation ability.     

Defluoridation of drinking water using Al3+-modified bentonite clay: optimization of fluoride adsorption conditions

Al³⁺-bentonite clay (Alum-bent) was prepared by ion exchange of base cations on the matrices of bentonite clay. Intercalation of bentonite clay with Al³⁺ was performed in batch experiments. Parameters optimized include time, dosage, and Al³⁺ concentration. Physicochemical characterization of raw and modified bentonite clay was done by X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry attached to scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis, cation exchange capacity (CEC) by ammonium acetate method, and pH_pzc by solid addition method. Chemical constituents of water were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), ion selective electrode (Crison 6955 Fluoride selective electrode) and a Crison multimeter probe. For fluoride removal, the effect of contact time, adsorbent dosage, adsorbate concentration, and pH were evaluated in batch procedures. The adsorption capacity of fluoride by modified bentonite clay was observed to be 5.7 mg g^?1 at (26 ± 2) °C room temperature. Maximum adsorption of fluoride was optimum at 30 min, 1 g of dosage, 60 mg L^?1 of adsorbate concentration, pH 2–12, and 1:100 solid/liquid (S/L) ratios. Kinetic studies revealed that fluoride adsorption fitted well to pseudo-second-order model than pseudo first order. Adsorption data fitted well to both the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms, hence, confirming monolayer and multilayer adsorption. Alum-bent showed good stability in removing fluoride from ground water to below the prescribed limit as stipulated by World Health Organization. As such, it can be concluded that Alum-bent is a potential defluoridation adsorbent which can be applied in fabrication of point of use devices for defluoridation of fluoride-rich water in rural areas of South Africa and other developing countries. Based on that, this comparative study proves that Alum-bent is a promising adsorbent with a high adsorption capacity for fluoride and can be a substitute for conventional defluoridation methods.     

Removal of selenite using ‘waste’ Fe(III)/Cr(III) hydroxide: Adsorption kinetics and isotherms

Removal of selenite [Se (IV)] from aqueous solution on to industrial solid ‘waste’ Fe(III)/Cr(III) hydroxide as adsorbent was investigated in the present article. Maximum adsorption was found to be at pH 4.0. Pretreated Fe(III)/Cr(III) hydroxide was found to be more efficient for the removal of selenite compared to untreated adsorbent. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms have been studied. The Langmuir adsorption capacity (Q ₀) of the pretreated and untreated adsorbents was found to be 15.63 and 6.04?mg?g^?1, respectively. The adsorption process fit into the second-order kinetics. Thermodynamic parameters show that the adsorption process is spontaneous and endothermic in the temperature range 32 to 60°C. Coexisting anions vanadate and phosphate significantly affect the adsorption of selenite for both the pretreated and untreated adsorbents. Molybdate, thiocyanate, sulphate, nitrate and chloride do not significantly affect the removal of selenite for pretreated adsorbent.     

Modeling of adsorption isotherms and kinetics of uranium sorption by magnetic ion imprinted polymers

Application of magnetic U(VI) ion imprinted polymers (IIPs) coated on magnetic nanoparticles was investigated for pre-concentration and determination of U(VI) ions in aqueous solutions. The scanning electron micrographs revealed the microporosity of the adsorbent. Uranium leaching was successful as the energy-dispersive X-ray spectra showed. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area improved by more than 13-fold (83.1 and 6.2 m² g^?1 for the leached and unleached magnetic IIP, respectively). U(VI) uptake was optimized using batch experiments with parameters affecting the uptake performance, such as initial uranium concentration, pH, contact time, and adsorbent dose investigated. Pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Langmuir isotherm model best fitted the experimental data. The maximum adsorption capacity of uranium onto the activated magnetic IIP reached 5.4 mg g^?1. The selectivity order was determined to be U(VI) > Ni(II) > Th(IV).     

Adsorptive removal of rhodamine B from textile wastewater using water chestnut (Trapa natans L.) peel: adsorption dynamics and kinetic studies

Water chestnut peel, an agricultural bio-waste, was used as a biosorbent for removal of rhodamine B (RhB), basic textile dye, from an aqueous solution. The effects of various experimental parameters were studied. The equilibrium data correlated well with a Freundlich isotherm (R² = 0.98–0.99) followed by a Halsey isotherm model (R² = 0.98–0.99) which indicated heterogeneity of the adsorbent surface and multilayer adsorption of RhB dye onto the water chestnut peel waste (WCPW). High correlation coefficients (R² = 0.99) together with close agreement between experimental q_e (0.4–1.7 mg g^?1) and calculated q_e (0.4–2.5 mg g^?1) suggested that the adsorption process followed pseudo-second-order kinetics, with k₂ values in the range of 52–3.4 × 10^?1 g mg^?1 min^?1 at different concentrations. The overall mechanism of adsorption was controlled by both liquid-film and intra-particle diffusions. The negative values of change in Gibb's free energy (?ΔG⁰ = 19.2–29.2 kJ mol^?1) and positive values of change in enthalpy (ΔH⁰ = 30.9–117.6 kJ mol^?1) revealed the process to be spontaneous and endothermic. WCPW was found to be an effective adsorbent for removal of RhB, a cationic dye, from an aqueous solution.     

Lead(II) and cadmium(II) removal from aqueous solution using processed walnut shell: kinetic and equilibrium study

The biosorption potential of processed walnut shell for Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions from aqueous solutions was explored. The effects of pH, contact time, initial ion concentration, and amount of dried adsorbent were studied in batch experiments. The maximum adsorption was achieved within the pH range 4.0–6.0. The equilibrium data were well fitted by the Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacities were found to be 32?g?kg^?1 and 11.6?g?kg^?1 for Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions, respectively. Kinetic data were best described by the pseudo-second-order model. The structural features of the adsorbent were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, which confirmed the involvement of hydroxyl (–OH), carboxyl (–COO^–), and carbonyl (C=O) groups in metal sorption. This readily available adsorbent is efficient in the uptake of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions from an aqueous solution and could be used for the treatment of wastewater streams bearing these metal ions.     

Copper (II) adsorption studies using models of synthetic humic acids

A polymer with characteristics similar to those of humic acids was obtained by synthesis reactions from oxidative polymerization in an alkaline medium using para-benzoquinone, hydroquinone and 4-aminobenzoic acid as precursors. Samples of natural and synthetic humic acid were used to examine the adsorption behavior of Cu²⁺ ions on these substrates. The mathematical models described by Langmuir and Freundlich equations were applied, yielding the maximum adsorption intensity values K′ (Langmuir), maximum adsorption capacity, b (Langmuir) and the adsorbent adsorption capacity, m (Freundlich). Based on solubility studies, pH 3 was selected for the development of the adsorption experiment. The Cu²⁺ ion presented a favorable adsorption, with RL (equilibrium parameter) responses in Langmuir isotherms falling within the desirable ranges.     

Adsorption of cadmium from aqueous solution using Rooibos shoots as adsorbent

The use of Rooibos shoots, a natural adsorbent, for cadmium removal from wastewater is proposed. The effects of initial pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, and initial concentration were investigated in the batch adsorption mode. The optimum pH was found to be 5.5. Isotherm and kinetic data were modeled; the data fitted best to the Freundlich model, and, kinetically, the adsorption was of pseudo-second order as shown by the high R² value of 0.9928 along with close agreement between the experimental q_e (13.9 mg g^?1) and calculated q_e (14.24 mg g^?1) values. The studied biomass material was found to be effectively used for removal of cadmium from contaminated mine wastewater.     

Uptake of Ni2+ and rhodamine B by nano-hydroxyapatite/alginate composite beads: batch and continuous-flow systems

Alginate encapsulated nano-hydroxyapatite beads were synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface analysis, and X-ray diffraction. Their adsorptive potential for Ni²⁺ and rhodamine B was explored in batch mode and by fixed-bed column passage. In the batch system, maximum uptake capacity for Ni²⁺ was 360 mg g^?1 and 480 mg g^?1 for rhodamine B. In the presence of humic acid, sorption was enhanced. For the continuous-flow system, adsorption was effective at low flow rate. For both pollutants, mass transport resistance increased during adsorption. The overall rates of rhodamine B and Ni²⁺ uptake were found to be controlled by external mass transfer.     

Reduction of hexavalent chromium using fungi and bacteria isolated from contaminated soil and water samples

The reductive adsorption of hexavalent chromium (Cr⁶⁺) using six indigenous microorganisms isolated from contaminated soil and water samples was investigated. Quantification of Cr⁶⁺ reduction was determined using the 1,5-diphenylcarbazide method followed measuring the absorbance at OD₅₄₀. Bacterial isolates identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus firmus and Mycobacterium sp. were capable of absorbing Cr⁶⁺ efficiently into their biomass, whereas the fungal isolates, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus sp. and A. niger were capable of transforming Cr⁶⁺ to Cr³⁺ relative to cell-wall-binding properties. Infrared spectral analysis of functional groups showed that ?OH, ?NH₂ and C?O with conjugated ?NH were the binding groups responsible for adsorption of Cr⁶⁺ within the biomass of isolates. The data highlight the promising biotechnological application of these isolates in removing carcinogenic and mutagenic Cr⁶⁺ from contaminated ecosystems.     

Removal of cadmium(II), lead(II), and chromium(VI) ions from aqueous solution using clay

Removal of cadmium(II), lead(II), and chromium(VI) from aqueous solution using clay, a naturally occurring low-cost adsorbent, under various conditions, such as contact time, initial concentration, temperature, and pH has been investigated. The sorption of these metals follows both Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms. The magnitude of Langmuir and Freundlich constants at 30°C for cadmium, lead, and chromium indicate good adsorption capacity. The kinetic rate constants (K _ad) indicate that the adsorption follows first order. The thermodynamic parameters: free energy change (ΔG ^o), enthalpy change (ΔH ^o), and entropy change (ΔS ^o) show that adsorption is an endothermic process and that adsorption is favored at high temperature. The results reveal that clay is a good adsorbent for the removal of these metals from wastewater.     

Removal of Remazol Brilliant Violet-5R dye using periwinkle shells

The purpose of this research is to obtain optimal processing conditions for the adsorption of Remazol Brilliant Violet-5R (RBV-5R) dye onto activated carbon prepared from periwinkle shells (PSAC) by chemical activation with KOH using response surface methodology. Central composite design (CCD) was used to determine the effects of three preparation variables; CO₂ activation temperature, CO₂ activation time and KOH:char impregnation ratio (IR) on two responses; percentage RBV-5R dye removal and PSAC yield. Based on the CCD, two quadratic models were developed for percentage RBV-5R dye removal and PSAC yield, respectively. The most influential factor on each experimental design response was identified from the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The optimum conditions for the adsorption of RBV-5R dye onto PSAC were CO₂ activation temperature of 811 °C, CO₂ activation time of 1.70 h and IR of 3.0, resulting in 81.28% RBV-5R dye removal and 28.18% PSAC yield. PSAC prepared under optimum conditions was mesoporous with a Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area of 1894 m²·g^?1, total pore volume of 1.107 cm³·g^?1 and average pore diameter of 2.32 nm. The surface morphology and functional groups of the activated carbon were respectively determined from the scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared analysis.     

The accumulation levels of heavy metals (Ni,Cr, Sr, & Ag) in marine algae from southwest coast of India

In the context of use of marine algae as biological indicators of heavy metal pollution in coastal waters, six species of marine algae collected from the southwest coast of India were analysed for the levels of heavy metals (Ni, Cr, Sr, and Ag). Interspecies and interclass variations were determined on a spatial and temporal scale. The metal contents varied in the ranges, Ni: 0.20–21.06?µg?g^?1 (mean?=?10.13?µg?g^?1), Cr: non-detectable level (ND)–37.18?µg?g^?1 (mean?=?13.86?µg?g^?1), Sr: 2.19–103.90?µg?g^?1 (mean =?29.40?µg?g^?1), and Ag: ND–6.39?µg?g^?1 (mean?=?1.80?µg?g^?1). Ni and Cr contents were of similar magnitude to those reported for algae from polluted areas.     

Pomegranate husk as an adsorbent in the removal of toxic chromium from wastewater

The use of a new sorbent developed from the husk of pomegranate, a famous fruit in Egypt, for the removal of toxic chromium from aqueous solution has been investigated. The batch experiment was conducted to determine the adsorption capacity of the pomegranate husk. The effects of initial metal concentration (25 and 50 mg l^?1), pH, contact time, and sorbent concentration (2–6 g l^?1) have been studied at room temperature. A strong dependence of the adsorption capacity on pH was observed, the capacity increased as the pH decreased, and the optimum pH value was pH 1.0. Adsorption equilibrium and kinetics were studied with different sorbent and metal concentrations. The adsorption process was fast, and equilibrium was reached within 3 h. The maximum removal was 100% for 25 mg l^?1 of Cr⁶⁺ concentration on 5 g l^?1 pomegranate husk concentration, and the maximum adsorption capacity was 10.59 mg g^?1. The kinetic data were analysed using various kinetic models—pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich, and intraparticle diffusion equations—and the equilibrium data were tested using several isotherm models, Langmuir, Freundlich, Tempkin, Dubinin–Radushkevich, and Generalized isotherm equations. The Elovich and pseudo-second-order equations provided the greatest accuracy for the kinetic data, while Langmuir and Generalized isotherm models were the closest fit for the equilibrium data. The activation energy of sorption has also been evaluated as 0.236 and 0.707 kJ mol^?1 for 25 and 50 mg l^?1 chromium concentration, respectively.     

Ackee apple (Blighia sapida) seeds: a novel adsorbent for the removal of Congo Red dye from aqueous solutions

The ability of ackee apple (AA) seeds to remove Congo Red (CR) dye from aqueous solution was investigated. AA was characterised using thermo gravimetric analyser, scanning electron microscopy, Braunauer Emmett Teller, pH_pzc, elemental analysis and Boehm titration. The effects of operational parameters such as adsorbent dosage, contact time, initial dye concentration and solution pH were studied in a batch system. pH has a profound influence on the adsorption process. Maximum dye adsorption was observed at pH 3.0. The reaction was fast, reaching equilibrium in 90 min. Adsorption data were best described by Langmuir isotherm and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model with a maximum monolayer coverage of 161.89 mg·g^?1. Both boundary layer and intraparticle diffusion mechanisms were found to govern the adsorption process. Thermodynamic parameters such as standard free energy change (Δ G ⁰), standard enthalpy change (Δ H ⁰), and standard entropy change (Δ S ⁰) were studied. Values of Δ G ⁰ varied between?30.94 and?36.56 kJ·mol^?1, Δ H ⁰ was 25.61 kJ·mol^?1, and Δ S ⁰ was 74.84 kJ·mol^?1·K^?1, indicating that the removal of CR from aqueous solution by AA was spontaneous and endothermic in nature. Regeneration and reusability studies were carried out using different eluents. AA gave the highest adsorption efficiency up to four cycles when treated with 0.3 M HCl. AA was found to be an effective adsorbent for the removal of CR dye from aqueous solution.     

Adsorptive removal of As(III) and As(V) from water and wastewaters using an anion exchanger derived from polymer-grafted banana stem

In this study, the adsorption characteristics of As(III) and As(V) from water and wastewater using polyacrylamide-grafted banana stem with quaternary ammonium functionality (PGBS-AE) were investigated. Infrared spectroscopic, and thermogravimetric analyses were performed to affirm the polymer grafting, functionality, morphology, and thermal stability. Batch experiments were carried out to understand the effect of contact time, concentration, pH, adsorbent dose, and temperature of the solution for the adsorption of As(III) and As(V) onto PGBS-AE. Equilibrium was achieved within 1 h and the optimum pH was found to be 9.0 and 3.0 for As(III) and As(V), respectively. Isotherm studies showed that the Langmuir equation fits best. Maximum adsorption capacities of 50 and 5.5?g?kg^?1 were obtained for As(III) and As(V) at 30°C. The endothermic nature of adsorption was evident as the adsorption efficiency increased with temperature. The thermodynamic parameters were evaluated to explain the feasibility of adsorption and to predict the nature of adsorption. The competence of the adsorbent for practical purposes was also analyzed by treating with a fertilizer industry effluent sample. Studies pertaining to adsorbent regeneration and readsorption of As(III) and As(V) were carried out for four consecutive cycles.