Optimizatiom of the removal of divalent lead ions, from aqueous solutions using sugarcane bagasse as the adsorbent

Abstract

Divalent lead ions pose a severe environmental and health risks particularly in resource limited regions. This study focused on the optimization of Pb2+ions adsorption using sugarcane bagasse, evaluating the best operational parameters of particle size and contact time. Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was utilized to characterize the SCB before the uptake lead to find the functional groups responsible for the uptake of the metal. The FTIR spectrum of the sugarcane bagasse confirmed a typical lingo cellulosic composition, highlighting broad O-H stretching from 3300 to 3500 cm-1, aliphatic C-H stretching from 2920 to 2850 cm-1and lastly the carbonyl C=O stretching from 1700 to 1730 cm-1. Batch experiments were conducted using four particle sizes which were 0.5, 1, 2 and 4mm. To find the best contact time samples were taken across contact time from 30minutes to 360 minutes. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) analysis revealed 68.59%, 78.65%, 66.62% and 65.74% percentage removal of lead by 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 mm respectively. This showed that 1mm particle is the best for the removal of lead between the particle sizes that I used. Kinetic analysis revealed rapid initial uptake within 30 minutes to 60 minutes with equilibrium reached at 120 to 180 minutes for the fine fraction. At 120 minutes contact time was identified as optimal.