Studies on the Adsorption of Pb (II) and Zn (II) as Binary Mixtures from Industrial Effluents

Abstract

The present work focuses on the adsorptive removal of mixtures of heavy-metal ions present in industrial effluents, using modified bio-sorbent prepared from Desmostachya bipinnata (MDB). The prepared biosorbent was characterized by SEM, DRFTIR, Elemental analyzer, XRD, Boem titration and point of zero charge, showing modificatios on the surface of the biosorbent. The adsorption behavior of two different metals, Pb (II) and Zn (II), indicated regular patterns of adsorption. Their adsorption behavior as binary mixtures was evaluated, which showed the interference of one metal ions with another, thereby reducing the adsorption capacities of both metal ions. Even though there is interference between two different metal ions, the modified biosorbent proved quite efficient in removing complex mixtures of heavy metal ions from industrial effulents.