Adsorption behavior of ammonium by a bioadsorbent--Boston ivy leaf powder

The adsorption behaviors of ammonium ions from aqueous solution by a novel bioadsorbent, the Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) leaf powder (BPTL) were investigated. The SEM images and FT-IR spectra were used to characterize BPTL. The mathematical models were used to analyze the adsorption kinetics and isotherms. The optimum pH range for ammonium adsorption by BPTL was found to be 5-10. The adsorption reached equilibrium at 14 hr, and the kinetic data were well fitted by the Logistic model. The intraparticle diffusion was the main rate-controlling step of the adsorption process. The high temperature was favorable to the ammonium adsorption by BPTL, indicating that the adsorption was endothermic. The adsorption equilibrium fitted well to both the Langmuir model and Freundlich model, and the maximum monolayer adsorption capacities calculated from Langmuir model were 3.37, 5.28 and 6.59 mg N/g at 15, 25 and 35 degrees C, respectively, which were comparable to those by reported minerals. Both the separation factor (RL) from the Langmuir model and Freundlich exponent (n) suggested that the ammonium adsorption by BPTL was favorable. Therefore, the Boston ivy leaf powder could be considered a novel bioadsorbent for ammonium removal from aqueous solution.