Abstract
High removal of heavy metals using plant-based bioflocculant under low concentration is required due to its low cost, abundant source, and nontoxicity for improved wastewater management and utilization in the water industry. This paper presents a treatment of synthetic wastewater using plant-based Tacca leontopetaloides biopolymer flocculant (TBPF) without modification on its structural polymer chains. It produced a high removal of heavy metals (Zn, Pb, Ni, and Cd) at a low concentration of TBPF dosage. In our previous report, TBPF was characterized and successfully reduced the turbidity, total suspended solids, and color for leachate treatment; however, its effectiveness for heavy metal removal has not been reported. The removal of these heavy metals was performed using a standard jar test procedure at different pH values of synthetic wastewater and TBPF dosages. The effects of hydroxide ion, pH, initial TBPF concentration, initial metal ion concentration, and TBPF dosage were examined using one factorial at the time (OFAT). The results show that the highest removal for Zn, Pb, Ni, and Cd metal ions were 98.4–98.5%, 79–80%, 97–98%, and 92–93%, respectively, using 120 mg/L dosage from the initial concentration of 10% TBPF at pH 10. The final concentrations for Zn, Pb, Ni, and Cd metal ions were 0.043–0.044, 0.41–0.43, 0.037–0.054, and 0.11–0.13 mg/L, respectively, which are below the Standard B discharge limit set by the Department of Environment (DOE), Malaysia. The results show that TBPF has a high potential for the removal of heavy metals, particularly Zn, Pb, Ni, and Cd, in real wastewater treatment.
Highlights
IntroductionPolluted water with high heavy metal ion content remains a serious worldwide problem, especially in developing countries
Introduction in published maps and institutionalPolluted water with high heavy metal ion content remains a serious worldwide problem, especially in developing countries
The optimum pH, Tacca leontopetaloides biopolymer flocculant (TBPF) dosage, and initial metal ion concentration were kept constant while the initial TBPF concentration was varied at
Summary
Polluted water with high heavy metal ion content remains a serious worldwide problem, especially in developing countries. Heavy metals such as Zn, Pb, Cd, and Ni are often discharged by metal plating, metal cleaning and fabrication, battery manufacturing, chemical manufacturing, and paint and pigment industries [1]. The effluent discharged by these industries indirectly contaminates the sources of water supply in the soil/groundwater system. Without proper treatment, these heavy metals have long been associated with various health problems, especially to human life. High exposure of Ni can lead to several types of cancer, such as oral, skin, and lung cancers [3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
