Biosorption potential of Lantana camara leaves’ biosorbent to remove Zn (II) ions from synthetic aqueous solution

Abstract

Inorganic metal pollution is becoming more prevalent as industrialization progresses. Despite being an essential element, Zn (II) can be detrimental if consumed in excess. In this study, the possibility of using Lantana camara leaves to prepare a biosorbent that can eliminate Zn (II) ions from contaminated wastewater solutions was investigated. BET surface area, FTIR and SEM analysis were carried out to characterize the prepared Lantana camara leaves biosorbent (LCLB). It was reported that increasing biosorbent dosage and contact duration improves Zn (II) ion removal while it decreases with rising initial concentrations of Zn (II) ions and temperature. At pH 6, 5 g adsorbent dosage, and 45 minutes contact time, excellent removal capabilities (85.06%) were reported. The pseudo-second-order rate model fit the kinetics of Zn (II) adsorption well (R2 > 0.998), and the predicted adsorption capacity of the model agreed well with the experimental outcomes. The Langmuir isotherm (R2 > 0.996) was the best suited isotherm model for Zn (II) adsorption onto LCLB, implying monolayer adsorption. Thermodynamic experiments revealed that Zn (II) adsorption on the biosorbent's surface was spontaneous and exothermic. Desorption studies implied that the biosorbent can be recycled effectively up to two cycles. An investigation of the maximum adsorption capabilities of different untreated biomaterial-based residues found that LCLB is an effective, inexpensive, and environmentally acceptable biosorbent for use in the removal of contaminants from polluted aqueous media.