Studies on the Removal of Cu(II) from Aqueous Solutions using Modified Acacia nilotica Leaf

Abstract

In this work, sustainable and biodegradable Acacia nilotica leaf (AN) was chemically modified to remove Cu(II) from aqueous solutions, which is considered a versatile approach to clean contaminated aquatic environments. Zinc chloride-modified Acacia nilotica leaf (ZAN) was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and other physico-chemical parameters like pH ZPC . The aim was to assess the efficiency and mechanism of adsorption on Acacia nilotica via isotherm models (Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Dubinin-Radushkevich, HarkinJura, and Frenkel-Halsey-Hill), kinetic models, and thermodynamic parameters. To optimize the removal efficiency, parameters such as effect of initial concentration, effect of pH, dosage, initial concentration, and contact time were studied by batch and column methods. Desorption studies illustrated that about 73% of the metal ions could be removed using 0.2N HCl. The results of the present investigation indicated that ZAN has a high potential for the removal of Cu(II) from aqueous solutions, and the resultant data can serve as a base line for designing treatment plants on an industrial scale.