Abstract
Paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera) leaf powder was used to remove heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions. The specific uptakes of Cu (II), Pb (II), and Cd (II) by the leaf powder were 43.40 ± 0.2, 43.9 ± 0.5, and 30.65 ± 0.9 mg g−1, respectively, when 500 mg L−1 of the metal solutions were used. The data fitted well to the Langmuir isotherm. The process followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic equation and intraparticle diffusion played an important role in the adsorption process. On the basis of the calculated thermodynamic parameters such as standard enthalpy (ΔH°), entropy (ΔS°) and free energy change (ΔG°), it was inferred that the sorption process was endothermic and spontaneous in nature. The surface properties of the leaf powder (revealed by scanning electron microscopic observations) were suitable for the metal adsorption process. Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis confirmed the sequestration of the metal ions by the leaf powder. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy implicated that different functional groups on the leaf powder were involved in the metal adsorption process. The results obtained from this study implicated that the B. papyrifera leaf powder was a good choice as a metal adsorbent. This abundantly available natural and eco-friendly biosorbent could be effectively used to develop a technology in the future.
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