Removal of cadmium (II) from aqueous solutions by adsorption on agricultural waste biomass

Abstract

This paper reports the feasibility of using various agricultural residues viz. sugarcane bagasse (SCB), maize corncob (MCC) and Jatropha oil cake (JOC) for the removal of Cd(II) from aqueous solution under different experimental conditions. Effect of various process parameters, viz., initial metal ion concentration, pH, and adsorbent dose has been studied for the removal of cadmium. Batch experiments were carried out at various pH (2–7), adsorbent dose (250–2000 mg), Cd(II) concentration (5–500 mgl −1) for a contact time of 60 min. The maximum cadmium removal capacity was shown by JOC (99.5%). The applicability of Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm suggests the formation of monolayer of Cd(II) ions onto the outer surface of the adsorbents. Maximum metal removal was observed at pH 6.0 with a contact time of 60 min at stirring speed of 250 rpm with an adsorbent dose of 20 g l −1 of the test solution. The maximum adsorption of cadmium (II) metal ions was observed at pH 6 for all the adsorbents viz; 99.5%, 99% and 85% for JOC, MCC, and SCB, respectively. Order of Cd(II) removal by various biosorbents was JOC > MCC > SCB. JOC may be an alternative biosorbent for the removal of Cd(II) ions from the aqueous solution. FT-IR spectra of the adsorbents (before use and after exhaustion) were recorded to explore number and position of the functional groups available for the binding of Cd(II) ions on to studied adsorbents. These results can be helpful in designing a batch mode system for the removal of cadmium from dilute wastewaters.