Selective removal for Pb2+ in aqueous environment by using novel macroreticular PVA beads

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Chemistry

Background:

• Lead(II) (Pb(II)) is a toxic heavy metal pollutant commonly found in industrial wastewater.
• Effective removal of Pb(II) is crucial for environmental protection and public health.
• Macroreticular poly(vinyl alcohol) (MR-PVA) beads are explored as a novel adsorbent material.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the adsorption performance of MR-PVA beads for Pb(II) removal.
• To determine the optimal experimental conditions for Pb(II) adsorption.
• To evaluate the adsorption mechanism and thermodynamic properties.

Main Methods:

• Batch sorption experiments were performed using MR-PVA beads.
• Parameters studied included solution pH, contact time, adsorbent dose, initial metal ion concentration, and ionic strength.
• Adsorption equilibrium and kinetics were analyzed using isotherm and kinetic models.

Main Results:

• Maximum Pb(II) adsorption capacity of 213.98 mg g⁻¹ was achieved at pH 6.0, 300 mg L⁻¹ initial concentration, and 288 K.
• Approximately 60% removal was observed within 30 minutes, with equilibrium reached around 150 minutes.
• Adsorption data fitted well to pseudo-second-order kinetics and three equilibrium isotherm models.

Conclusions:

• MR-PVA beads are highly effective for Pb(II) adsorption from aqueous solutions.
• The adsorption process is influenced by pH, contact time, and initial concentration.
• The study provides valuable insights into the application of MR-PVA for heavy metal remediation.