Utilization of Bio-adsorbents for the adsorption of heavy metals in wastewater: Effect of kinetic parameters

Abstract

A new and novel Bioadsorbent was obtained from the blend of Moringa, Okra and Pumpkin, (MOP). Moringa, Okra and Pumpkin seed (MOP) were used as a toxin-free, locally available material and economically adsorbent in the present study. This study focuses on the adsorption of Cr, Cd, Zn, Pb, and Fe from an aqueous solution. The adsorption experiment was performed using a series of flasks containing 50 ml solutions of wastewater at desired concentration with the mass of the adsorbent. Atomic Adsorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) was used to determine the concentration of the heavy metals. The results revealed that a pH of 6, reaction temperature of 35 C, 90 minutes contact time and 0.5 g adsorbent dosage were the optimum reactive condition of the process having 4.1, 3.6, 4.3, 3.5 and 4.0 mg/g maximum adsorption capacity for Cr, Fe, Pb, Zn, and Cd respectively. Therefore, it is evident that Moringa, Okra and Pumpkin seeds can be effectively utilized to reduce the concentration of heavy metals in wastewater.