Optimization of Process for Removal of Fe-Cu from Wastewater with Biodegradable Adsorbent

Abstract

Background: Optimization of a process for removing Fe-Cu from wastewater with biodegradable adsorbents. Objective: The objective of the study is to remove copper ions from wastewater. The use of low-cost adsorbents was investigated as a replacement to the conventional methods of removing heavy metals from an aqueous solution. Methods: Removal of copper (II) from an aqueous solution by the adsorbent made from the jackfruit peels was investigated and analyzed with the help of UV-spectroscopy. The conventional methods of treatment for heavy metal contamination include chemical precipitation, chemical oxidation, ion exchange, reverse osmosis, membrane separation, electrodialysis, and so on. These techniques are very costly, require energy in huge quantities, and generate toxic byproducts. On the other hand, adsorption has been investigated as a cost-effective method for the removal of heavy metals from wastewater. The equilibrium adsorption level was determined as a function of particle size, adsorbent doses, and variable concentration of metal ion solution. Adsorption isotherms of Cu (II) on adsorbents have been decided and correlated with isotherm equations that include Langmuir and Freundlich models. Results: From the experiment, the maximum percentage of copper removed is 84.30%, and the maximum adsorption capacity is 11.24 mg/g for particle size of 0.212 mm, 30.98 mg/g for 1 gram of adsorbent dose and 5.23 mg/g for 300 ppm of concentration of metal ion solution. Conclusion: The adsorbent made from the jackfruit peels is more effective for removing copper from aqueous solutions emitted from the industrial wastes and can prove to be the best alternative to the conventional method.