Untreated Opuntia ficus indica for the Efficient Adsorption of Ni(II), Pb(II), Cu(II) and Cd(II) Ions from Water

Abstract

The raw cladode of Opuntia ficus indica (OFI) was evaluated as a sustainable biosorbent for the removal of heavy metals (Ni, Pb, Cu, and Cd) from aqueous solutions. The functional groups of OFI were identified by employing DRIFT-FTIR and CP-MAS-NMR techniques before and after contact with the ions in an aqueous media, showing a rearrangement of the biomass structure due to the complexation between the metal and the functional groups. The adsorption process was studied in both single- and multi-component systems under batch conditions at different pHs (4.0, 5.0, and 6.0), different metal concentrations, and different biomass amounts. The results show that the raw OFI had a removal capacity at room temperature of over 80% for all metals studied after only 30 min of contact time, indicating a rapid adsorption process. Biosorption kinetics were successfully fitted by the pseudo-second-order equation, while Freundlich correctly modelled the biosorption data at equilibrium. The results of this work highlight the potential use of the untreated cladode of OFI as an economical and environmentally friendly biosorbent for the removal of heavy metals from the contaminated aqueous solution.

Phosphorus recovery from agricultural waste via cactus pear biomass

“…The FT-IR spectral analysis ( Fig. 2 ) reveals various absorption peaks, each corresponding to specific molecular vibrations [ 14 , [19] , [20] , [21] ]. Within the range of 3700–2500 cm −1 , a broad absorption band is observed, indicating the intramolecular vibrational stretching of the –OH groups, which are extensively engaged in hydrogen bonding.…”

“…To gain a comprehensive understanding of its potential as P adsorbent, we subjected both the chemically treated biomass with Ca 2+ , Fe +2 and Fe 3+ , and the untreated biomass using the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). We followed the methodology outlined by Barbera et al [ 14 ] albeit with a primary focus on evaluating the functional groups responsible for the interaction between the biomass and phosphate ions. Spectra are in the range 4000–400 cm −1 obtained by a PerkinElmer FT-IR spectrometer Spectrum Two.…”

Cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. Possess Important Beneficial Properties Dependent on Their Different Stages of Maturity

“…Numerous studies have reported that the juice of cladodes can counteract the effects generated by many toxic substances, including heavy metals [21]. Cladodes also possess neuroprotective effects, reducing excitotoxic damage caused by ischemia and inflammatory neuronal damage [22].…”