Efficient Elimination of Co (II) Ions from Watery Solutions Utilizing Eco‐Friendly, Inexpensive, Natural, and Modified Potato Peels

Abstract

This study is concerned with the physicochemical investigation of cobalt (II) sorptions from aqueous solution by potato peel (PP) and NaOH/CaCl2/C2H5OH‐modified potato peel (MPP). The sorption conditions of PP and MPP under optimized conditions were optimized according to the maximum effects of the main factors affecting the sorption processes (PP and MPP dosage, sorbate concentration, interaction time, and temperature) at pH 6.78. The kinetic and equilibrium experimental sorption data of the studied sorbates were simulated using commonly used models and were found to fit well with pseudo‐second‐order and Langmuir models. The Co(II) ion adsorption capacity of PP was determined as 12.25, 16.44, and 20.74 mg/g, respectively, at various temperatures (25, 35, and 45 °C), while the adsorption capacity of MPP under the same conditions was determined as 41.49, 52.35, and 62.50 mg/g. Thermodynamic parameters determined for each sorption system showed that the sorption processes were endothermic and spontaneous. The results of this study emphasize that both PP and MPP can be used as effective sorbents for removing pollutants from water.