Title: Uptake of heavy metals from aqueous solution by non-conventional adsorbents

Authors: S.J. Patil; A.G. Bhole; G.S. Natarajan

Addresses: 192, Cement Road, Dharampeth Extn., Nagpur – 440010, MS, India. ' Flat No. 101, Yash Enclave, Near Basketball Ground, Dharampeth Extension, Nagpur – 440010, MS, India. ' Priyadarshini College of Engineering, Near CRPF Camp, Hingna Road, Nagpur – 440019, MS, India

Abstract: The present study investigates the removal of chromium and copper metal ions from aqueous solution using non-conventional adsorbents such as modified tree barks of acacia arabica (babul) and hardwickia binnata (aajan). In this study the influence of pH, initial sorbate concentration, contact time, adsorbent dose and particle size was investigated. Maximum adsorption for both the metals was found to occur at pH 5. The process of uptake followed first-order adsorption rate expression and obeyed Langmuir and Freundlich models of adsorption. The Langmuir isotherms are best fitted as compared to Freundlich isotherms for the adsorbents studied.

Keywords: PAC; powder activated carbon; PBB; powder babul bark; PAB; powder aajan bark; mass transfer coefficient; Langmuir isotherm; Freundlich isotherm; heavy metals; aqueous solutions; chromium; copper; non-conventional adsorbents.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2011.042640

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2011 Vol.8 No.3/4, pp.341 - 352

Published online: 24 Jan 2015 *

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