Sorbed Metal Ions Research Articles

Remarkable enhancement in radio-cesium uptake from acidic feeds into an extraction chromatography resin containing a calix[4]arene-mono-crown-6 ligand

An extraction chromatography resin, prepared by the impregnation of bis-octyloxy-calix[4]arene-mono-crown-6 (BOCMC)onto an acrylic ester based polymeric support material, gave excellent uptake data for the removal of radio-cesium (Cs-137) from nitric acid feed solutions. The weight distribution coefficient (Kd) value of >300 obtained during the present study at 3 M HNO3 was the highest reported so far while using a calix-crown-6 based extraction chromatographic resin material. Analogous resin reported previously has yielded a Kd value <100 at comparable feed conditions. The sorbed metal ions could be efficiently desorbed with de-ionized water. Kinetic modeling of the uptake data indicated that both the film and the intra-particle diffusion mechanism are simultaneously operating in the sorption of Cs+ion onto the BOCMC resin. The metal ion sorption data were fitted to the sorption isotherm models and did not conform to the chemisorptions of physisorption models and indicated a pi-pi interaction between the benzene rings of the calix-crown-6 ligand and the Cs+ ion. The reusability of the resins was quite satisfactory after 5 cycles and the radiation stability of the resin material was very good upto an absorbed dose of 500 kGy. The results of column studies were quite encouraging with 15 mL (9 bed volumes) as the breakthrough volume while the elution was complete in about 12 bed volumes of de-ionized water.

Synthesis and Modification of a Natural Polymer with the Participation of Metal Nanoparticles, Study of Their Composition and Properties.

A magnetic polymer material based on natural polymers-humic acids and magnetite, pre-configured for the sorption of a metal ion-was obtained. The magnetic polymer material was obtained via the interaction of a natural polymer, magnetite nanoparticles and sorbed metal ions that were used as a template. Moreover, the formation of a pre-polymerization complex was followed by copolycondensation with an amine in the presence of a crosslinking agent and further removal of metal ions from the crosslinked copolymer. The physicochemical properties of the resulting materials were determined using various physical methods. The composition of the resulting magnetic polymer materials was characterized by elemental analysis using an Elementar Unicube elemental analyzer. It was found that the carbon content increases by 8.28% and nitrogen by 0.42% for the polymer material Fe3O4:HA:T:AA; for the polymer material Fe3O4:HA:AA, the carbon content increases by 14.61% and nitrogen by 3.01%. Based on the IR spectra data, it is clear that magnetic polymer materials have much in common before hydrolysis (Fe3O4:HA:T:AA) and after hydrolysis (Fe3O4:HA:AA). The structure of the resulting polymer materials was studied using electron microscopy. Micrographs show the presence of pores in magnetic polymer materials after acid hydrolysis, indicating the formation of imprints. The results of the study of the sorption properties of magnetic polymer materials showed that after acid hydrolysis, the sorption capacity of a customized magnetic polymer material increases two times and it can act as a magnetic sorption material.

Sorption of Ni(II) by sol-gel silica functionalized with DMG and other chelating agents

In this study, a comprehensive investigation of doping of sol-gel silica with DMG and other chelating agents is provided at room temperature using infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, SEM, EDS and powder XRD. Sol-gel silica was doped with dimethyl glyoxime (DMG), ethylenediamine (EDA), 1,10-Phenanthroline (Phen), dithizone (DZ), and sulfanilamide (SB) to investigate the sorption of Ni(II) from aqueous media. It is observed that the chelating agents are encapsulated by the pores of the xerogel from where they interact with the metal ions by ion exchange and chelation mechanism. Nickel complexes of the chelating agents were also synthesized. Sol-gel silica was doped with metal complexes for comparison with sol-gel silica with sorbed metal ions. Ni(II) in metal complex was compared with that in functionalized silica from EDS of both samples. The batch adsorption experiments were performed at room temperature and neutral pH. The developed method can be applied on large scale removal of Ni(II) using silica and chelating agents from cheap natural sources. The sorption process was completed within 5 minutes and 0.1 N HNO3 resulted in complete desorption of metal ions. The regenerated sorbent can be reused six times with negligible loss of sorption capacity.

Evaluation of Aspergillus tamarii NRC 3 biomass as a biosorbent for removal and recovery of heavy metals from contaminated aqueous solutions

BackgroundBiomass produced as a byproduct from the β-mannanase production process by Aspergillus tamarii NRC 3was evaluated as a biosorbent for the removal and recovery of some heavy metal ions.ResultsUnder optimal conditions, the isolated strain recorded the highest β-mannanase activity (31.88 Uml−1). Thus, the biomass produced from mannanase production process as a byproduct was evaluated as a biosorbent for the removal and recovery of some heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions and an industrial wastewater. The fungal biomass was found to be efficient for the removal of Cu+2 and some heavy metal ions. The biosorption process of copper(II) by Aspergillus tamarii NRC 3 biomass was affected by changing of time, temperature, pH, metal ions concentration, the presence of some heavy metals, and biomass concentration. The rate of Cu+2 uptake from Cu+2solution proceeded rapidly, and it appeared to be virtually complete during the initial 5 min (92%); the maximum uptake of Cu+2 appeared at 30 °C, pH 5, and biomass concentration 5 g w/w. On the other hand, the fungal biomass was to remove considerable proportion of Pb2+, Co+2, Ni2+, Fe+3, and Cr3+ in addition to Cu2+. The uptake of Cu+2 by pretreated biomass was studied. Recovery of the sorbed metal ions by desorbing agents and the potential reuse of the regenerated biomass in metal ions uptake (reloading) were evaluated.ConclusionsAspergillus tamarii NRC 3 biomass seems to be quite feasible in the removal of heavy metal ions especially Cu+2 from aqueous solutions.

Batch Sorption of Copper (II) Ions from Simulated Aqueous Solution by Banana Peel

This research presents the possibility of using banana peel (arising from agricultural production waste) as biosorbent for removal of copper from simulated aqueous solution. Batch sorption experiments were performed as a function of pH, sorbent dose, and contact time. The optimal pH value of Copper (II) removal by banana peel was 6. The amount of sorbed metal ions was calculated as 52.632 mg/g. Sorption kinetic data were tested using pseudo-first order, and pseudo-second order models. Kinetic studies showed that the sorption followed a pseudo second order reaction due to the high correlation coefficient and the agreement between the experimental and calculated values of qe. Thermodynamic parameters such as enthalpy change (ΔH°), entropy change (ΔS°) and Gibbs free energy change (ΔG°) were also investigated. Free energy change showed that biosorption of Cu (II) was spontaneous and nature endothermic at all studied temperatures (25–45 °C).

Multi-podant diglycolamides and room temperature ionic liquid impregnated resins: An excellent combination for extraction chromatography of actinides

Extraction chromatography resins, prepared by impregnating two multi-podant diglycolamide ligands, viz. diglycolamide-functionalized calix[4]arene (C4DGA) and tripodal diglycolamide (T-DGA) dissolved in the room temperature ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide (RTIL: C4mimTf2N) on Chromosorb-W (an inert solid support), gave excellent results for the removal of trivalent actinides from acidic waste solutions. Distribution coefficient measurements on several metal ions showed selective sorption of Am(III) over hexavalent uranyl ions and other fission product elements such as strontium and cesium. The sorbed metal ions could be efficiently desorbed with a complexing solution containing guanidine carbonate and EDTA buffer. The sorption of Am(III) on both resins followed pseudo-second order rate kinetics with rate constants of 1.37×10−6 and 6.88×10−7g/cpmmin for T-DGA and C4DGA resins, respectively. The metal sorption on both resins indicated the Langmuir monolayer chemisorption phenomenon with Eu(III) sorption capacities of 4.83±0.21 and 0.52±0.05mg per g of T-DGA and C4DGA resins, respectively. The results of column studies show that these resins are of interest for a possible application for the recovery of hazardous trivalent actinides from dilute aqueous solutions.

Synthesis of new hybrid sorbent by grafting 2,6-diacetyl pyridine onto microporous β-zeolite and its application in solid phase extraction of heavy metals from environmental samples

The aim of this study was synthesis of a new hybrid material and its application in solid phase extraction of metal ions from environmental samples. The hybrid material was synthesized by grafting 3-aminopropyl trimethoxy silane onto β-zeolite and functionalizing with 2,6-diacetyl pyridine in a stepwise covalent process. This hybrid material was characterized by FT-IR and XRD studies. The hybrid material was used as sorbent in solid phase extraction of Pb(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Cd(II). The method is based on the collection of metal ions onto 2,6-DAP-PA- β-zeolite and the sorbed metal ions were eluted with 10 mL of 1 M HNO3. The influences of analytical parameters such as pH of the sample solution, volume of sample, type and volume of eluent, flow rate of the sample and eluent that govern the efficiency and throughput of the method were evaluated. The influence effects of matrix ions (common ions other than the analyte that are present in the sample) on the retentions of the metal ions were also examined. The maximum adsorption capacity values for the metal ions onto 2,6-DAP-PA- β-zeolite, as calculated from the Langmuir model, were 112.7, 94.2, 105, and 102.8 mg g−1, respectively. The relative standard deviation under optimum conditions was lower than 3.10%. The limits of detection were 0.035 for Pb(II), 0.076 for Ni(II), 0.083 for Cu(II) and 0.059 mg L−1 for Cd(II), respectively. The accuracy of the method was estimated by analyzing reference standard materials. The results indicate that the method is efficient for the solid phase extraction of trace levels of Pb(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Cd(II) from environmental samples. The hybrid material was synthesized by grafting 3-aminopropyl trimethoxy silane onto β-zeolite and functionalizing with 2,6-diacetyl pyridine. The hybrid material was used for solid phase extraction of Pb(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Cd(II) at various analytical parameters. The adsorption capacity values for the Pb(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Cd(II) onto 2,6-DAP-PA-β-zeolite were 112.7, 94.2, 105, and 102.8 mg g−1, respectively.

BatchHeavy MetalsBiosorption by Punica granatum Peels: Equilibrium andKinetic Studies

This research was conducted to study the feasibility of using fruit peels as biosorbent for removal of Pb+2, Cu+2 and Zn+2 ions from simulated wastewater. A waste biomass of Pomegranate Peel or Punicagranatum L. (P. granatum L.) was chosen as neutral biosorbent in this study.Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) was used to characterize the surface of PGP, the results confirm that amino, carboxylic, hydroxyl and carbonyl group on the surface of PGP. Different parameters such as initial concentration range between (25-200) mg/L, pH (3-7), contact time (1-2) hour, amount of sorbent (0.1- 4) gm, agitation speed range (200- 500) rpm and temperature (25- 50oC), influencing the sorptive process were examined. Sorption equilibrium isotherm and kinetic data fit well by the Langmuir isotherm and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, respectively. Sorption processes were spontaneous and exothermic in nature according to the thermodynamic results and the equilibrium was attained within 60 minute. The amount of sorbed metal ions was calculated as 9.9, 9.5 and 7.75 mg/g dry PGP for Pb+2, Cu+2 and Zn+2ions, respectively, at pH 5; temperature 25oC; contact time 1hr and 4 gm of peels.&#x0D;

Diethylenetriamine-functionalized chitosan magnetic nano-based particles for the sorption of rare earth metal ions [Nd(III), Dy(III) and Yb(III)

The recovery of three rare earth (RE) metals ions [Yb(III), Dy(III) and Nd(III), belonging to heavy, mild and light REs, respectively] was investigated using hybrid chitosan-magnetic nano-based particles functionalized by diethylenetriamine (DETA). The effect of pH on sorption performance was analyzed: the optimum initial pH value was found close to 5 (equilibrium pH value close to 6.5). The nanometric size of sorbent particles (30–50 nm) minimized the contribution of resistance to intraparticle diffusion on the control of uptake kinetics, which is efficiently modeled using the pseudo-second order rate equation: under selected experimental conditions the contact time required for reaching equilibrium was less than 1 h. Sorption isotherms were efficiently modeled using the Langmuir equation: maximum sorption capacities reached about 50 mg metal g−1, regardless of the RE. The temperature had a very limited effect on sorption capacity (in the range 300–320 K). The thermodynamic parameters were determined: the sorption was endothermic (positive values of ΔH°), spontaneous (negative values of ΔG°) and contributed to increasing the disorder of the system (positive values of ΔS°). The three REs have similar sorption properties on DETA-functionalized chitosan magnetic nano-based particles: the selective separation of these elements seems to be difficult. The sorbed metal ions can be removed from loaded sorbents using thiourea, and the sorbent can be recycled for at least five sorption/desorption cycles with a limited loss in sorption performance (by less than 6 %). The saturation magnetization was close to 20 emu g−1; this means that nano-based superparamagnetic particles can be readily recovered by an external magnetic field, making the processing of these materials easy.

Aggregation of nanoscale iron oxyhydroxides and corresponding effects on metal uptake, retention, and speciation: II. Temperature and time

The aggregation and growth of nanosized particles can greatly impact their capacity to sorb and retain dissolved metals, thus affecting metal fate and transport in contaminated systems. Aqueous suspensions of synthesized nanoscale iron oxyhydroxides were exposed to dissolved Zn(II) or Cu(II) and aged at room temperature (∼20°C), 50°C, and 75°C for timeframes ranging from 0 to 96h before sorbed metal ions were desorbed by lowering the suspension pH. Atomic absorption spectroscopic analysis of supernatants both before and after the desorption step determined how temperature and time affect macroscopic metal uptake and retention capacities. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy analysis described the local binding environment of the sorbed/retained metals on the solid phase.With increasing aging temperature and time, the initial ∼5-nm oblong nanoparticles formed dense aggregates, lost reactive surface area, and retained progressively larger fractions of the initially-introduced Zn(II) and Cu(II) following the desorption step, with the copper species inhibiting the oriented aggregation of the nanoparticles into nanorods. Based on EXAFS analysis, the speciation of the sorbed metal species evolves with increasing time and temperature from surface-sorbed metal ions, which readily desorb and return to solution, to more strongly-bound, structurally-incorporated metal ions. These retained metals appear to associate intimately with the nanoparticle aggregates by substituting for iron in the nanoparticle lattice or by binding within nanoparticle aggregate pore spaces.

Sorption and Desorption Studies on Toxic Metals From Brewery Effluent Using Eggshell as Adsorbent

The adsorption capacity of eggshell in removing Pb2+, Ni2+, Mn2+, Zn2+ and Co2+ from standard solution and consolidated brewery effluent was investigated in this study. The sorption process dependent on pH, contact time, initial metal ion concentration and sorbent dosage with pH 7.0 being the optimum value, and maximum sorption was attained within the first 60 minutes. The equilibrium sorption data followed the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms with R2 ranges of 0.834 – 0.993 and 0.939 – 0.998 respectively. The kinetic data were best described with pseudo second order kinetic. Desorption of sorbed metal ions was efficient with 3.0 mol/L NaOH. The affinity of metal ion sorption was in the order of Co2+ > Pb2+ > Ni2+ > Zn2+ > Mn2+. The percentage adsorptions of Mn2+ and Zn2+ from the brewery effluent were 95.86% and 44.29% respectively, while the corresponding percentage desorption of Mn2+ and Zn2+ were 19.94% and 35.48% respectively.

Development of 2-acetylpyridine-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazone functionalized polymeric resin for the preconcentration of metal ions prior to their ultratrace determinations by MIS-FAAS

2-Acetylpyridine-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (APPT) ligand was incorporated onto Amberlite XAD-2 resin through an azo spacer and characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, TGA, and SEM analysis. The synthesized resin was used for the preconcentration of Pb(II), Zn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Cd(II) ions. The sorbed metal ions were eluted with 10 mL of 2.0 mol L-1 HCl and determined by microsample injection coupled flame atomic spectrometry (MIS-FAAS). The recoveries of studied metal ions were \ge 95.1 % with RSD \ge 4.0 % at optimum pH 8; resin amount, 300 mg; flow rates, 2.0 mL min-1 (of eluent) and 3.0 mL min-1 (sample solution). The limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantifications (LOQ) of the studied metal ions were 0.11, 0.05, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, and 0.03; and 0.37, 0.17, 0.21, 0.13, 0.31, and 0.10 m g L-1, respectively, with a preconcentration factor of 500 for the 6 studied metal ions. The total saturation capacity of the resin was 0.36, 1.20, 1.50, 1.61, 1.07, and 0.71 mmol g-1, respectively.

Biosorption of microelements by Spirulina: towards technology of mineral feed supplements.

Surface characterization and metal ion adsorption properties of Spirulina sp. and Spirulina maxima were verified by various instrumental techniques. FTIR spectroscopy and potentiometric titration were used for qualitative and quantitative determination of metal ion-binding groups. Comparative FTIR spectra of natural and Cu(II)-treated biomass proved involvement of both phosphoryl and sulfone groups in metal ions sorption. The potentiometric titration data analysis provided the best fit with the model assuming the presence of three types of surface functional groups and the carboxyl group as the major binding site. The mechanism of metal ions biosorption was investigated by comparing the results from multielemental analyses by ICP-OES and SEM-EDX. Biosorption of Cu(II), Mn(II), Zn(II), and Co(II) ions by lyophilized Spirulina sp. was performed to determine the metal affinity relationships for single- and multicomponent systems. Obtained results showed the replacement of naturally bound ions: Na(I), K(I), or Ca(II) with sorbed metal ions in a descending order of Mn(II) > Cu(II) > Zn(II) > Co(II) for single- and Cu(II) > Mn(II) > Co(II) > Zn(II) for multicomponent systems, respectively. Surface elemental composition of natural and metal-loaded material was determined both by ICP-OES and SEM-EDX analysis, showing relatively high value of correlation coefficient between the concentration of Na(I) ions in algal biomass.

Quantum chemical study of inner-sphere complexes of trivalent lanthanide and actinide ions on the corundum (110) surface

Summary Sorption plays a major role in the safety assessment of nuclear waste disposal. In the present theoretical study we focused on understanding the interaction of trivalent lanthanides and actinides (La3+, Eu3+ and Cm3+) with the corundum (110) surface. Optimization of the structures were carried out using density functional theory with different basis sets. Additionally, Møller-Plesset perturbation theory of second order was used for single point energy calculations. We studied the structure of different inner-sphere complexes depending on the surface deprotonation and the number of water molecules in the first coordination shell. The most likely structure of the inner-sphere complex (tri- or tetradentate) was predicted. For the calculations we used a cluster model for the surface. By deprotonating the cluster a chemical environment at elevated pH values was mimicked. Our calculations predict the highest stability for a tetradentate inner-sphere surface complexes with five water molecules remaining in the first coordination sphere of the metal ions. The formation of the inner-sphere complexes is favored when a coordination takes place with at most one deprotonated surface aluminol group located beneath the inner-sphere complex. The mutual interaction between sorbing metal ions at the surface is studied as well. The minimal possible distance between two inner-sphere sorbed metal ions at the surface was determined to be 530 pm.

A new functionalized resin and its application in flame atomic absorption spectrophotometric determination of trace amounts of heavy metal ions after solid phase extraction in water samples

In this work, Amberlite XAD-4 functionalized with salicylic acid through an azo linkage (NN) was synthesized and used as a new chelating resin for preconcentration of Pb(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), and Zn(II) in water samples. The resin was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Determination of the metal ions was carried out by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Metal ion sorption equilibria were reached within 30min. The preconcentraion factor was 50 for a 500mL sample. The sorbed metal ions were eluted by 10mL of 0.5M HNO3 within 10min with the desorption recovery of ≥90%. This new method gave a good accuracy in batch system as indicated by the recovery of ≥93% for the extraction of all metal ions and R.S.D. less than 1.4% (n=5). The detection limits for Pb(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II) and Zn(II) were 0.15, 0.18, 0.18, 0.21, and 0.19μgL−1, respectively.

Removal of Transition Metals from Dilute Aqueous Solution by Carboxylic Acid Group containing Absorbent Polymers

A carboxylic acid group containing resin with cation exchange capacity, 12.67 meq/g, has been used to remove Cu2+, Co2+ and Ni2+ ions from dilute aqueous solution. The resin had Cu2+, Co2+ and Ni2+ removal capacity, 216 mg/g, 154 mg/g and 180 mg/g, respectively. The selectivity of the resin for Cu2+ over Co2+ and Ni2+ was investigated in the presence of 1.0 M or 0.5 M sodium chloride. The resin was found to offer high capacity and selectivity for Cu2+. The sorbed metal ions (Cu2+, Co2+ and Ni2+) were easily stripped with dilute HCl. The sorbed Co2+ and Ni2+ could also be stripped with 1.0M NaCl.

Kinetic analysis of metal uptake by dry and gel alginate particles

The kinetics of metal uptake by gel and dry calcium alginate beads was analysed using solutions of copper or lead ions. Gel beads sorbed metal ions faster than the dry ones and larger diffusivities of metal ions were calculated for gel beads: approximately 10 −4 cm 2/min vs. 10 −6 cm 2/min for dry beads. In accordance, scanning electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption data revealed a low porosity of dry alginate particles. However, dry beads showed higher sorption capacities and a mechanical stability more suitable for large-scale use. Two sorption models were fitted to the kinetic results: the Lagergren pseudo-first order and the Ho and McKay pseudo-second order equations. The former was found to be the most adequate to model metal uptake by dry alginate beads and kinetic constants in the orders of 10 −3 and 10 −2 min −1 were obtained for lead solutions with concentrations up to 100 g/m 3. The pseudo-first order model was also found to be valid to describe biosorbent operation with a real wastewater indicating that it can be used to design processes of metal sorption with alginate-based materials.

Removal of Lead, Copper, Zinc and Cadmium from Water Using Phosphate Rock

Abstract: Removal of Pb2+, Cu2+, Zn2+and Cd2+from aqueous solutions by sorption on a natural phosphate rock (FAP) was investigated. The effects of the contact time and initial metal concentration were examined in the batch method. The percentage sorption of heavy metals from solution ranges generally between 50% and 99%. The amount of sorbed metal ions follows the order Cu&gt;Pb&gt;Cd&gt;Zn. Heavy metal immobilization was attributed to both surface complexation of metal ions on the surface of FAP grains and partial dissolution and precipitation of a heavy metal‐containing phosphate. The very low desorption ratio of heavy metals further supports the effectiveness of FAP as an alternative and low‐cost material to remove toxic Pb2+, Cu2+, Zn2+and Cd2+from polluted waters.

Correlation between the distribution of lignin and pectin and distribution of sorbed metal ions (lead and zinc) on coir ( Cocos nucifera L.)

Plant fibres are capacious for sorption of metal ions, and can be used in water cleaning. Knowledge about the sorption will help in selection of the fibre and optimisation of its chemical modification, if any. The aim of this paper is to investigate the connection, if any, between the distribution of lignin and pectin and the loading of Pb and Zn on coir (mesocarp fibres from Cocos nucifera L.). The coir consisted mainly of xylem and a fibre sheath. The lignin was evenly distributed in the cell walls of the fibre sheath, but in the xylem, there was no detectable content in the compound middle lamella, and a smaller content of lignin in the secondary walls than in the walls of the fibre sheath. The only detectable content of pectin in the fibre sheath walls was in the middle lamella, cell corners and extracellular matrix, while in the xylem, the pectin was almost evenly distributed in the wall, with a higher concentration in the middle lamella and cell corners. All cell walls facing the lacuna had a high content of pectin. The metal ions were mainly loaded on the xylem and cell walls facing the lacuna, maybe with an additional trend to be loaded on the large fibres. Lead was distributed on and across the whole secondary wall. Zinc was loaded on the secondary walls, but there was no information about the distribution across the wall. If there is a simple correlation between the loading of metal ions and the distribution of lignin or pectin, these investigations point at no correlation with lignin and a positive correlation with pectin. It has to be stressed that these conclusions are made on limited material and are therefore preliminary in nature.

Chromatography Of Metal Ions On Wood Cellulose Impregnated With Urea And Thiourea

Adsorption chromatography of some heavy metal ions on wood cellulose of saw dust (wood waste dust) modified with hydrochloric acid, urea and thiourea was studied. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) was used to determine the initial concentration of solutions of Zn2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Pb2+, and Fe3+ metal ions. The solutions were allowed to pass separately through column chromatography packed with different modified adsorbents. The concentrations of the filtrates as well as amount of metal ions sorbed in each case were determined. The percentage of the sorbed metal ions by the unmodified substrate are in the range of 6.57-75.08 % while those modified with dilute HCl was found to be in the range of 69.82-86.48 %. Higher percentages were obtained on further modification of the HCl acid treated wood cellulose and was in the range of 71.98-87.03 % and 76.75-89.86 % for urea and thiourea respectively. Thus, the possibility of using sawdust as a support for the sorption of heavy metal ions may provide effective and economic means of removing valuable or toxic metal ions from sewage, industrial and mining wastewater. Keywords: Wood cellulose, metal ions, Chemical Modification, column adsorption method IFE Journal of Science Vol. 9 (1) 2007 pp. 145-148