Removal of Lead and Copper Ions from Polluted Aqueous Solutions using Nano-Sawdust Particles

Heavy metals pollution was considered as one of the most serious environmental problems. The removal of heavy metals ions (Pb2+ and Cu2+) from dilute aqueous solutions was investigated by using biomaterials like nano-sawdust particles as bio-sorbent. The nano-sawdust was prepared and identified by (SEM), (TEM) and (FTIR) spectroscopy. Results of SEM study showed that the surface of sawdust has many pores with nano size in rang of (40-51 nm). The TEM image suggests that the produced material consists of nano particles. The FTIR gave characteristic bands due to presence of OH, NH2 and C=O groups. The batch experiment indicates that the maximum bio-sorption efficiency for Pb2+ was 100% at optimum conditions of, pH 6, contact time 40 min and bio-sorbent dosage 2.0 g. However nano-sawdust gave removal efficiency 98.78% of Cu2+ under optimum conditions of, pH 7, contact time 50 min and bio-sorbent dosage 1.0 g. Kinetic studies indicated that the biosorption of Pb(II) and Cu(II) ions onto nono-sawdust was pseudo-second order.

Author(s): Fathy El-Saied A, Saeyda Abo-Elenan A and Fathia El-shinawy H

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