Golden Apple Snail Shell (<i>Pomacea canaliculata</i>) as Prospective Agent in Absorbing Lead (pb) in Water

Abstract

Heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) are considered to be highly intoxicating pollutants in water. This is a primary concern for developed countries like the Philippines since it creates a substantial impact on the environment and health. Absorption of these heavy metals has only been of limited use because it undergoes methods which are expensive. This research focuses on determining the probability of Golden Apple Snail (GAS) shells (Pomacea canaliculata) as a cost-effective treatment in absorbing heavy metal Lead (Pb) in water. A new chelating agent has been prepared by pulverizing GAS shells and weighing them as 20g per treatment, two factors are observed in the study: agitation time of 6, 12 and 18 hours and varying concentrations of 50, 100, and 150 ppm. The absorptive capacity of the bioabsorbent was measured and quantified using the Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FLAAS) as well as the residue of the Lead (Pb) in the solution. The result of the analysis shows that the absorptive capacity of GAS shells are at 99.86% with the absorption capacity in regards of concentration are at 99.97% and with agitation time 99.96%. Furthermore, results show that Sample Ca2, having 50 ppm concentration being treated for 18 hours rendered a 100% absorption of the heavy metal in the solution. It can, therefore, be concluded that GAS shell is a promising chelating agent in absorbing Lead (Pb).