Investigating the Effectiveness of Raw Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L) and Raw Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) Wastes as Bioadsorbent of Heavy Metal in Aqueous Systems

Abstract

Adsorption process had been effective in condensing and concentrating metal ions from aqueous phase to the surface of adsorbent. The use of synthetic adsorbent is a well-established technology, synthetic adsorbent are usually scarce and expensive in waste water treatment. Hence, there is need to develop new adsorbent which are readily available at low cost to remove metal contaminants in aqueous system. Un-treated industrial wastewater contains larger quantities of heavy metals, causing pollution, a significant environmental problem.  In this work, raw sugarcane waste and raw okra waste which are agricultural by-products were used as adsorbent in the adsorption of Fe3+, Cd 2+, Pb 2+, Zn2+, Ni 2+ from various aqueous solutions. Infrared spectrum of the okra and sugar cane waste were recorded to detect the functional groups that has the binding capability for the metal ion adsorption. Batch studies were performed to evaluate the adsorption process and its was found that the okra waste was able to adsorb 5.05% of Fe3+, 44.95% of Cd 2+, 65.10% of Pb 2+, 38.78% of Zn2+, 57.80% of Ni 2+, while the sugarcane waste adsorbed 3.61% of Fe3+, 35.06% of Cd 2+, 43.50% of Pb 2+, 24.45% of Zn2+, 35.31% of Ni2+. This work concluded that, raw okra waste was a more effective adsorbent material than raw sugarcane waste for the removal of heavy metals from aqueous systems. The Freundlich adsorption model described well the sorption equilibrium of the metal ions, however research study have shown that modified form of okra waste was an excellent adsorbent, there is possibility of modifying the raw sugar cane waste for better performance since it has potential of removing heavy metals in waste water.