Optimization of process parameters in removal of lead from aqueous solution through response surface methodology

Abstract

This article investigation was done on removal of lead from aqueous solution onto Tamarind fruit shell powder (Tamarinus Indica. L), a biosorbent of a low cost, easily available, agricultural waste using biosorption. The optimum operating parameters like agitation time, biosorbent dose, initial lead concentration, and pH have been studied with batch process and validated by Response Surface Methodology. The maximum percentage removal of lead is 83.5 at optimum conditions of agitation time is 33.11 min, biosorbent dosage is 0.99 g, initial ion concentration is 26.44 mg/l and pH is 6.98 using RSM. The experimental data were evaluated using adsorption isotherms. The given data are best suited to Freundlich model. Kinetic and thermodynamic data were tested with pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models and well correlated to pseudo-second order equation. The results revealed that Tamarindus Indica. L was a favorable biosorbent to remove lead and zinc.