Coal and <i>Zea mays</i> cob waste as adsorbents for removal of metallic ions from wastewater

Abstract

The efficiency of coal (CO) and Zea mays (ZM) cob adsorbents for the removal of metallic ions from wastewater is reported. The adsorbents were used in both their granular (GCO and GZM) and powdered (PCO and PZM) forms respectively. Chromium, nickel, iron and cadmium were used as model ions. Efficiency of the method relied on the use of Shimadzu AA650 double beam atomic absorption/flame spectrophotometer. Effects of varying adsorbent dose, adsorbate loading concentration, pH and adsorbent surface area on the percentage removal of the adsorbates were studied. Results revealed that coal relatively have higher affinity for the tested ions compared to zea mays cob. The order of removal on the two adsorbents are nearly similar with little variations for Ni and Cd. Thermodynamic analyses at 303, 313, 323 and 333K and at optimum adsorbent weight and 60mgL -1 initial adsorbate loading concentration indicates a spontaneous and feasible process.

Analysis of some sorption isotherms for the removal of Ni²⁺ Pb²⁺ and Cu²⁺ using orange peel adsorbent

“…They were then washed with deionised water and dried in an oven for 24hrs at 80°C (Ibrahim, 2012). The collected raw orange peel was extensively washed with tap water and then rinsed with distilled water.…”

“…High concentrations of Ni in ingested water may cause severe damage to lungs, kidneys, and gastrointestinal distress etc. (Ibrahim, 2012). High exposure to Pb causes anaemia, vomiting, and constipation etc., while higher concentrations of Cu causes kidney diseases, tuberculosis and arthritis etc.…”