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Heavy metals removal from synthetic wastewater by a novel nano-size composite adsorbent

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Abstract

The effects of varying operating conditions on metals removal from aqueous solution using a novel nano-size composite adsorbent are reported in this paper. Characterization of the composite adsorbent material showed successful production of carbon nanotubes on granular activated carbon using 1 % nickel as catalyst. In the laboratory adsorption experiment, initial mixed metals concentration of 2.0 mg/L Cu2+, 1.5 mg/L Pb2+ and 0.8 mg/L Ni2+ were synthesized based on metals concentration from samples collected from a semiconductor industry effluent. The effects of operation conditions on metals removal using composite adsorbent were investigated. Experimental conditions resulting in optimal metals adsorption were observed at pH 5, 1 g/L dosage and 60 min contact time. It was noted that the percentage of metals removal at the equilibrium condition varied for each metal, with lead recording 99 %, copper 61 % and nickel 20 %, giving metal affinity trend of Pb2+ > Cu2+ > Ni2+ on the adsorbent. Langmuir’s adsorption isotherm model gave a higher R2 value of 0.93, 0.89 and 0.986 for copper, nickel and lead, respectively, over that of Freundlich model during the adsorption process of the three metals in matrix solution.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bioenvironmental Engineering Research Unit, Department ofBiotechnology Engineering, Faculty of Engineering International Islamic University Malaysia Gombak, 53100, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Y. B. Onundi M.Sc., A. A. Mamun Ph.D., M. F. Al Khatib Ph.D., M. A. Al Saadi M.Sc. & A. M. Suleyman Ph.D.

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  1. Y. B. Onundi M.Sc.
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  2. A. A. Mamun Ph.D.
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  3. M. F. Al Khatib Ph.D.
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  4. M. A. Al Saadi M.Sc.
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  5. A. M. Suleyman Ph.D.
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Correspondence to A. A. Mamun Ph.D..

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Onundi, Y.B., Mamun, A.A., Khatib, M.F.A. et al. Heavy metals removal from synthetic wastewater by a novel nano-size composite adsorbent. Int. J. Environ. Sci. Technol. 8, 799–806 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03326263

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03326263

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