Abstract
Chemically modified Lagenaria vulgaris shell was applied as a new sorbent for the removal of lead (II) ions from aqueous solution in a batch process mode. The influence of contact time, initial concentration of lead (II) ions, initial pH value, biosorbent dosage, particle size and stirring speed on the removal efficiency was evaluated. Biosorbent characterization was performed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Four kinetic models (pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, Elovich model and Intraparticle diffusion model) were used to determine the kinetic parameters. The experimental results were fitted to the Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich and Temkin models of isotherm. Pseudo-second order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model best fitted the experimental data. Sorption process is obtained to be fast and equilibrium was attained within 40 min of contact time. The maximum sorption capacity was 33.21 mg g(-1). Biosorption was highly pH-dependent where optimum pH was found to be 5. The results of FTIR and SEM analysis showed the presence of new sulfur functional groups. This study indicated that xanthated Lagenaria vulgaris shell could be used as an effective and low-cost biosorbent for the removal of lead (II) ions from aqueous solution.