Adsorptive removal of some heavy metal ions by native and activated potato (Solanum tuberosum) peels as a low-cost biosorbents

Abstract

Treatment of wastewater is becoming an interest of an increasing importance. Low amounts of contaminated heavy metals would pollute large volumes of water. Therefore, the present study was conducted during the current year in northern Saudi Arabia to assess the efficacy in removal of heavy metal ions by native (NPP) and activated (APP) potato peels (PP) using adsorption processes. Biosorption experiments were carried out in a batch process which contains the factors like pH, contact time, adsorbent dose and metal ion concentration. Both adsorbents (NPP and APP) showed to be efficient in removing Co (II), Cu (II) and Ni (II) from aqueous solutions. Activated potato peels were a more effective adsorbent compared to native potato peels. The present results propose that potato peels are eco-friendly, effective and low cost biosorbent which signifies an exceptional potential for removal of heavy metal under study from aqueous solutions.