Adsorption of Copper (Ii) Ion by Leucaena Leucocephala Pods

Abstract

In this work, the efficiency of Leucaena leucocephala pods, an agricultural waste, to remove copper (Cu) ions in aqueous solution by adsorption. Batch mode experiments were carried out at 30 ◦C to study the influence of pH, contact time (t) and dosage on the adsorption of Cu by Leucaena leucocephala pods. The surface behaviour and the composition of the Leucaena leucocephala pods was characterized using pH of point of zero charge (pHPZC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). It is shown that Leucaena leucocephala pods adsorbent can effectively remove Cu from aqueous solutions. The best sorption results were obtained at pH 8.0 , 0.75 g dosage and within time 80 min. The FTIR studies indicated was existence of surface hydroxyl, carboxyl and carbonyl groups. Adsorption method was used to successfully execute post adsorption elution of the loaded metal.