Surface engineered functional biomaterials for hazardous pollutants removal from aqueous environment

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Heavy metal ions are persistent pollutants causing significant environmental and health concerns.
• Sensitive preconcentration methods are crucial for detecting and removing trace levels of heavy metals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate pomegranate peel as a biosorbent for simultaneous preconcentration of seven heavy metal ions.
• To evaluate the efficiency and reusability of the pomegranate peel biosorbent.
• To determine the cost-effectiveness of this novel remediation approach.

Main Methods:

• Utilized pomegranate peel for preconcentration of Cd(II), Co(II), Cr(III), Cu(II), Mn(II), Ni(II), and Pb(II).
• Quantification performed using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS).
• Characterization included SEM/EDS, FTIR, and pHpzc; reusability and interfering ion effects were assessed.

Main Results:

• Optimized preconcentration conditions: pH 5, 1.5 mL/min flow rate, 200 mg biosorbent, 1 mol/L HNO3 eluent.
• Biosorbent capacity ranged from 4.45 to 57.70 μmol/g.
• Demonstrated high efficiency and reusability of the pomegranate peel biosorbent.

Conclusions:

• Pomegranate peel is a highly effective and economical biosorbent for heavy metal ion preconcentration.
• This method shows potential for industrial applications in water treatment and environmental monitoring.
• The study provides novel data on adsorbent cost analysis for heavy metal remediation.