Rapid removal of lead(II) ions from water using iron oxide-tea waste nanocomposite - a kinetic study

Lead (Pb) ions are a major concern to the environment and human health as they are contemplated cumulative poisons. In this study, facile synthesis of magnetic iron oxide-tea waste nanocomposite is reported for adsorptive removal of lead ions from aqueous solutions and easy magnetic separation of the adsorbent afterwards. The samples were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Braunner-Emmet-Teller nitrogen adsorption study. Adsorptive removal of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solution was followed by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry. About 95% Pb(II) ion removal is achieved with the magnetic tea waste within 10 min. A coefficient of regression R² ≃ 0.99 and adsorption density of 18.83 mg g^-1 was found when Pb(II) ions were removed from aqueous solution using magnetic tea waste. The removal of Pb(II) ions follows the pseudo-second-order rate kinetics. External mass transfer principally regulates the rate-limiting phenomena of adsorption of Pb(II) ions on iron oxide-tea waste surface. The results strongly imply that magnetic tea waste has promising potential as an economic and excellent adsorbent for the removal of Pb(II) from water.