Column study using modified banana pseudo stem as adsorbent for removal of Pb (II)

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Heavy metal removal from wastewater is a significant challenge for industries.
• Conventional methods for heavy metal removal are often costly and pose disposal issues.
• Lead (II) removal presents specific difficulties regarding cost, effluent disposal, and safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of modified banana pseudo stem (MBPS) as an eco-friendly adsorbent for lead (II) removal.
• To characterize MBPS using SEM and FTIR spectroscopy.
• To evaluate the performance of MBPS in a column adsorption process.

Main Methods:

• Characterization of MBPS using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.
• Column adsorption experiments for lead (II) removal from aqueous solutions.
• Optimization of parameters including pH, contact time, and flow rate.

Main Results:

• SEM and FTIR confirmed the successful modification of the banana pseudo stem.
• The BET surface area of MBPS was determined to be 7.27 m²/g.
• Column studies demonstrated effective lead (II) removal, with a maximum removal of 49% achieved at a flow rate of 5 mL/min with an initial concentration of 50 ppm and pH 6.

Conclusions:

• Modified banana pseudo stem powder is a viable and eco-friendly adsorbent for lead (II) removal from wastewater.
• The column adsorption process using MBPS shows potential for treating industrial effluents contaminated with lead.
• Further research can optimize MBPS for enhanced heavy metal remediation.