Effective Removal of Ni(II)ions from Aqueous Solutions Using Low-Cost, Eco-Friendly Natural and Modified Potato Peels

Abstract

The objective of this investigation is to look into the potential use of trash potato peels (PP) and processed potato peels (MPP) as a solution for effectively removing Ni(II) ions extracted from aqueous solutions. The optimal working circumstances for removing Ni(II) ions from aqueous solution in PP are an initial concentration of 500 mg/L, an adsorbent dose of 0.3 g, a contact time (CT) of 100 minutes, and a solution pH of 6.21. The optimal working conditions for MPP were established to be an initial concentration of 500 mg/L, an adsorbent dosage of 0.15 g, a CT of 100 minutes, and a solution pH of 6.21. Studies were conducted at various temperatures to better understand the removal capabilities of adsorbent compounds. The removal abilities of Ni(II) ions for PP were determined to be 25.125, 29.325, and 33.112 mg/g at varied temperatures (25, 35, and 45 oC), respectively. Under the same conditions, the removal capacity of MPP was determined to be 68.965, 78.125, and 85.470 mg/g. Further investigation of the adsorption kinetics revealed that the experimental results suited the pseudo-second-order model for both PP and MPP adsorbents. Thermodynamic analyses demonstrated that the endothermic process of Ni (II) metal ion adsorption onto the adsorbents occurred spontaneously. The study found that both PP and MPP were very efficient and ecologically friendly adsorbents for removing Ni (II) ions from aqueous solutions. Their demonstrated performance highlights their potential value in sustainable wastewater treatment applications, which accord with environmentally conscious behaviors. Their high removal capacity to effectively remove metal ions, together with their ease of use, low cost, and origin as agricultural trash, make them potential adsorbents for long-term uses in both water purification and environmental cleanup.