Simultaneous removal of Pb(II), Cd(II) and Cu(II) from aqueous solutions by adsorption on Triticum aestivum - a green approach

Abstract

The presence of heavy metals in industrial effluents as a single component is generally very rare. The present study provides information about adsorption behaviour of lead, cadmium and copper in single and multi-component system using triticum aestivum (wheat straw) as adsorbent. It has been shown that adsorption of a certain metal ion is greatly affected by the presence of other metal ions. Effects of process parameters (adsorbent dose, contact time, pH, agitation speed etc.) have been studied. pH 4-6 have been found suitable for metal removal. Adsorption mechanism has been evaluated using five adsorption isotherm models (Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Harkin- Jura and Halsey Isotherms). Removal of cadmium in multi-component system is greater as compared in single component system indicating the metal competition for adsorption sites. Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters have also been calculated and obtained results were found closely related to the reported literature. Positive values of ?H° for lead, cadmium and copper shows feasibility of the process and the spontaneous nature of adsorption.