Characterization of aqueous Pb(II) and Cd(II) biosorption on native and chemically modified Alstonia macrophylla saw dust

Abstract

This study was conducted inorder to understand the mechanism of Cd and Pb adsorption in aqueous solutions by raw and modified saw dust (SD) of Alstoniamacrophylla. The biosorbent was characterized by Boehm titration, specific surface area, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray energy dispersion (EDAX), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analyses. SD was treated using organic acids and bases. Batch studies were conducted for raw and modified SD to determine the effect of initial concentration, pH, ionic strength, and contact time on metal adsorption. The specific surface area and total basic and acidic groups of SD were 77 m2/g and 1521 and 2312 µmol/g, respectively. The adsorption of both metals onto SD was pH dependent. No ionic strength dependency was observed in adsorption of Cd and Pb at pH >6, indicating inner sphere surface complexation. Monolayer adsorption is dominant in both metal sorptions by SD. Furthermore, there is no competition between metals on adsorption and raw SD was found to be suitable for removal of Cd and Pb as compared to organic acid– or base-treated SD. Maximum adsorption capacity of SD for Cd and Pb were 30.6 and 204.2 mg/g, respectively. Results indicate that the A.macrophylla SD can be considered as a potential material for metal ion removal from wastewater.