Removal of Lead by Merlinoite Prepared from Sugarcane Bagasse Ash and Kaolin: Synthesis, Isotherm, Kinetic, and Thermodynamic Studies

Abstract

This study introduces a merlinoite synthesized from sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA) and kaolin and evaluates its application as an adsorbent to remove lead from wastewater. The synthesis was performed via the hydrothermal method, and optimal conditions were determined. The adsorption of Pb by merlinoite was also optimized. Determination of the Pb2+ remaining in the aqueous solution was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Adsorption isotherms were mainly studied using the Langmuir and Freundlich models. The Langmuir model showed the highest consistency for Pb adsorption on merlinoite, yielding a high correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.9997 and a maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of 322.58 mg/g. The kinetics of the adsorption process were best described by a pseudo-second-order model. Thermodynamic studies carried out at different temperatures established that the adsorption reaction was spontaneous and endothermic. The results of this study show that merlinoite synthesized from kaolinite and SBA is an excellent candidate for utilization as a high-performance adsorbent for lead removal from wastewater.

Ultrasound-Assisted Synthesis of a ZnO/BiVO4 S-Scheme Heterojunction Photocatalyst for Degradation of the Reactive Red 141 Dye and Oxytetracycline Antibiotic

“…However, the incomplete removal of the contaminants and the generation of secondary pollutants are the main drawbacks of these conventional methods. 23 − 25 Interestingly, a semiconducting photocatalytic route is a promising technique for complete removal of the toxic organic pollutants. 5 , 16 , 17 Basically, the commercially available TiO 2 is a UV-active photocatalyst with low photoactivity under natural sunlight.…”

“…Several techniques including adsorption were used to treat the pollutants in wastewater. However, the incomplete removal of the contaminants and the generation of secondary pollutants are the main drawbacks of these conventional methods. − Interestingly, a semiconducting photocatalytic route is a promising technique for complete removal of the toxic organic pollutants. ,, Basically, the commercially available TiO 2 is a UV-active photocatalyst with low photoactivity under natural sunlight. − The ZnO photocatalyst has gained much attention because it shows excellent transport property, is inexpensive, and has a versatile morphology. − In addition, based on our previous studies, controlled synthesis can be performed very easily for the creation of ZnO with high performance and also with a low cost of production. ,,− Therefore, in comparison to TiO 2 , ZnO is much cheaper and very easy to synthesize controllably. Nevertheless, low sunlight performance and occurrence of the photocorrosion are the main drawbacks influencing the practical application of ZnO .…”

Ag-Modified ZnO for Degradation of Oxytetracycline Antibiotic and Reactive Red Azo Dye

“…It is reported that various techniques have been applied for the removal of toxic contaminants in wastewater. However, major disadvantages in comparing the incomplete removal of the contaminants and the generation of secondary harmful pollutants are detected [ 15 , 16 , 17 ]. Alternatively, to reach the sustainable development goals, photocatalytic treatment has been used for the complete degradation of the organic contaminants [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ].…”