Removal of Heavy Metals from Wastewater Using Pomegranate Peel

Abstract

Research was undertaking to evaluate the ability of pomegranate peel in removing heavy metal cations Cu+2, Cd+2 & Zn+2 from wastewater. Simulated artificial water via batch adsorption approach was used in this study. Pomegranate peel was cleaned thoroughly to remove dust and dirt before drying them. Next, the peels were grinded (approximately less than 1mm in size) and directly used in different adsorbent/metal ion ratios. The metal ion concentration begins from 1000 ppm. The effect of contact duration, initial concentration of metal ion and loading weight of adsorbent on the percentage of heavy metal removal were investigated. The experiment was conducted at room temperature of 25 °C and pH value was maintained at the range of 5 to 6. From the observation and analysis, it was found that pomegranate peel successfully removed the heavy metals. The removal percentage observed was 80% for Cu+2 ions, 50.5% for Cd+2 ions and 32.5% for Zn+2 ions. The removal percentage was achieved within an hour of contact with an adsorbent loading ratio of 30 g/l. However, the removal percentage of mixed ions was relatively low, resulting from competition and interaction between the ions. The Pomegranate peel is available in huge quantities, low cost and can be used as an efficient metal ion adsorbent.