Equilibrium and kinetic studies on the adsorption of copper onto carica papaya leaf powder

Abstract

The possibility of using carica papaya leaf powder for removal of copper from wastewater as a low cost adsorbent was explored. Different parameters that affect the adsorption process like initial concentration of metal ion, time of contact, adsorbent quantity and pH were evaluated and the outcome of the study was tested using adsorption isotherm models. A maximum of 90%-94.1% copper removal was possible from wastewater having low concentration of the metal using papaya leaf powder under optimum conditions by conducting experimental studies. The biosorption of copper ion was influenced by pH and outcome of experimental results indicate the optimum pH as 7.0 for maximum copper removal. Copper distribution between the solid and liquid phases in batch studies was described by isotherms like Langmuir adsorption and Freundlich models. The adsorption process was better represented by the Freundlich isotherm model. The maximum adsorption capacity of copper was measured to be 24.51 mg/g through the Langmuir model. Pseudo-second order rate equation was better suited for the adsorption process. A dynamic mode study was also conducted to analyse the ability of papaya leaf powder to remove copper (II) ions from aqueous solution and the breakthrough curve was described by an S profile. Present study revealed that papaya leaf powder can be used for the removal of copper from the wastewater and low cost water treatment techniques can be developed using this adsorbent.