ABSTRACT In this study, hydrogels crosslinked with varying weight ratios of hydroxy ethyl cellulose and acrylic acid were synthesised via gamma rays with a 30 KGy. These polymers were further modified with two surfactants: a cationic surfactant, 1-hexadecyl-2-vinyl pyridinium chloride and an amphoteric surfactant, sodium salt of 2-(1-hexadecylpyridinium chloride-2-yl) ethane-1-sulphonate. The chemical structures of these surfactants were elucidated spectroscopically, while their morphologies and elemental analysis were examined by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), respectively. Batch adsorption parameters revealed that each improved hydrogel was effective in adsorbing Pb2+ ions. The best conditions of adsorption were achieved within 240 min at pH = 5 and v/m = 0.4 L/g. The selectivity of lead removal based on synthesised solutions (Pb, Zn and Co) using hydrogel materials was analysed for their potential application in environmental remediation efforts. The adsorption of lead (II) ions onto synthesised polymers was studied using kinetic modelling and adsorption isotherms. Results fit the Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-first-order kinetic model. Thermodynamic parameters, with enthalpy (ΔH) values of 28.50 to 43.46 kJ/mol and Gibbs free energy (ΔG) values from −2.58 to −7.28 kJ/mol at 338 K, show the process is endothermic and spontaneous. The positive entropy (ΔS) values indicate increased disorder at the interface.
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