ADSORPTION EFFICIENCY AND EQUILIBRIUM STUDY OF MELALEUCA LEUCADENDRON HUSK IN THE REMOVAL OF CU2+ AND CD2+ IONS FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION
Nuhu AA1, Omali ICP2*, Lamis M3
1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria
2Department of chemistry, Faculty of Physical Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria
3Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Gombe State University, Nigeria
Afr. J Pharm Res Dev; Volume 9(2): 141-153; Nov/Dec 2017
ABSTRACT
The possible utilization of Melaleuca Leucadendron Husk based activated carbon as an adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue dye from aqueous solutions has been investigated. The adsorption of Cu (II) and Cd (II) ions from aqueous solution by the prepared activated carbon was studied at varying metal ion concentrations, adsorbent dose, contact time, temperature and pH. Batch adsorption studies were used. It was found that the capacity of adsorption depends on pH value. The highest percentage of metal removal was achieved with adsorbent dosage of 0.6 g, an initial concentration of 20 mg/l metal ion, particle size of 1.0 mm, pH of 6.0, and contact time of 70 minutes and temperature of 313K. The removal percentage was found to be higher for Cd2+ when compared with Cu 2+. The three most common adsorption equations, Temkin, Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherms, were used in the study to verify the adsorption performance. From interpretation of the equations, the Freundlich adsorption isotherm was found to fit the experimental data better than the other two. This suggests the formation of monolayer of Cu (II) and Cd (II) ions onto the outer surface of the adsorbents. Melaleuca leucadendron husk can be considered as potential adsorbent for Cu (II) and Cd (II) ions from dilute aqueous solutions.
KEYWORDS: Activated carbon, Heavy metal, Adsorption, Adsorption isotherm; Melaleuca leucadendron
Corresponding author: omalipaul@gmail.com