Abstract
Many science-based institutions in most developing countries use heavy metal containing salts in practical teaching sessions. The commonly used chemicals are the salts of lead (II) and copper (II) and the wastes generated end up into the environment when untreated. Thus, a study was done to remove lead (II) and copper (II) ions from mono synthetic aqueous solution using bio-char from Ficus natalensis fruits (FNF). This was done at varied pH, contact time, temperature, bio-char dosage level, salinity and metal ion concentration using the batch approach. The residual metal concentrations were determined using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The optimum pH for the adsorption of copper (II) and lead (II) ions was found to be 4.0 and 5.0 respectively. The maximum percentage adsorption of copper (II) and lead (II) by the FNF bio-char was established at 60 minutes contact time, 47.5°C and 0.4 g adsorbent dose. Increase in the metal ion concentration and the presence of interfering ions in the aqueous solution lead to decrease in the percentage adsorption. The highest adsorption capacity was found to be 161.29 mg/g and 1250 mg/g for copper (II) and lead (II) ions respectively. The thermodynamic parameters indicated the feasibility of the adsorption of copper (II) and lead (II) on the bio-char of FNF. Thus, bio-char from FNF may be used as an adsorbent in waste management where copper (II) and lead (II) ions are present at a concentration range of between 5 and 100 mg/l.
Highlights
IntroductionHeavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, chromium, zinc, copper, and lead are toxic and poisonous at high concentrations [2]
A study was done to remove lead (II) and copper (II) ions from mono synthetic aqueous solution using bio-char from Ficus natalensis fruits (FNF). This was done at varied pH, contact time, temperature, bio-char dosage level, salinity and metal ion concentration using the batch approach
The maximum percentage adsorption of copper (II) and lead (II) by the FNF bio-char was established at 60 minutes contact time, 47.5 ̊C and 0.4 g adsorbent dose
Summary
Heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, chromium, zinc, copper, and lead are toxic and poisonous at high concentrations [2]. In children below six years of age if exposed to as low as 5 μg/dl of lead , they suffer from reduction in intelligence quotient (IQ), disabilities in learning, stunted growth, impaired hearing, behavioural problems, disorders inattention and kidney damage [3]. High amounts of lead in children may result into mental retardation, coma, or even death [4]. Lead increases blood pressure, fertility problems, nerve disorders, muscle and joint pain, irritability, memory impairments [5]. Accumulation of copper in the body at levels above 1.0 g causes gastrointestinal mucosal ulcerations and central-nervous system (CNS) manifestations including headache, dizziness and convulsions [4]
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