New solid phase extractor for separation of Cadmium(II) based on agricultural waste

Abstract

Myrtus Communis Leaves (MCL) have been investigated for their ability to remove cadmium ions from aqueous solution using batch and column techniques. It has been observed that MCL was effective biosorbent for removing of Cd(II) ions, moreover the biosorbent is cheap and biodegradable. The adsorption of Cd(II) onto MCL was found to be pH dependent and maximum removal of Cd(II) ions was obtained at pH 7. More than 97% of Cd(II) ions were removed at initial concentration of 20 mg/L and adsorbent weight of 14 g/L. The equilibrium data were fitted with the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. On the other hand, the experimental data were best fitted with the Pseudo-second-order kinetic with correlation coefficient R2=1. The maximum adsorption capacity estimated from Langmuir isotherm was found to be 33 mg/g at 25oC.