Utilization of Phyllanthus emblica fruit stone as a Potential Biomaterial for Sustainable Remediation of Lead and Cadmium Ions from Aqueous Solutions

Abstract

In the present work, an effort has been made to utilize Phyllanthus emblica (PE) fruit stone as a potential biomaterial for the sustainable remediation of noxious heavy metals viz. Pb(II) and Cd(II) from the aqueous solution using adsorption methodology. Further, to elucidate the adsorption potential of Phyllanthus emblica fruit stone (PEFS), effective parameters, such as contact time, initial metal concentration, temperature, etc., were investigated and optimized using a simple batch adsorption method. It was observed that 80% removal for both the heavy metal ions was carried out within 60 min of contact time at an optimized pH 6. Moreover, the thermodynamic parameters results indicated that the adsorption process in the present study was endothermic, spontaneous, and feasible in nature. The positive value of entropy further reflects the high adsorbent–adsorbate interaction. Thus, based on the findings obtained, it can be concluded that the biosorbent may be considered a potential material for the remediation of these noxious impurities and can further be applied or extrapolated to other impurities.

Effective Removal of Cd(II) from Aqueous Solutions Using Theobroma cacao Agro-Industrial Waste

“…[ 11 , 12 ]. The literature reports information on different biosorbents from agricultural waste for Cd(II) removal, such as Phyllanthus emblica fruit stone [ 13 ], rice husk [ 5 ], avocado pear exocarp [ 14 ], olive leaves [ 15 ], and moringa oleifera leaves [ 16 ]. However, the information on the use of cocoa waste for the removal of this metal is rather scarce.…”

Single and Binary Removals of Pb(II) and Cd(II) with Chemically Modified Opuntia ficus indica Cladodes

“…Heavy metals such as Pb and Cd in polluted waters are noteworthy, particularly from untreated industrial waste related to mining, petrochemical, graphic printing, agricultural, electronic, coating, painting, or battery manufacturing/disposal activities [3]. In humans, chronic exposure to Pb(II) causes reproductive and neurological problems, as well as certain genotoxic and carcinogenic effects [4]. Similarly, chronic exposure to Cd(II) also produces lethal disorders, damage to kidneys, bones, and lungs, and erythrocytes' destruction in blood [5].…”

“…Biosorption is an economical method, respectful to the environment, and is also easy to operate [7], since biomasses are biodegradable, available, and low-cost materials. For lead and/or cadmium removal, the literature reports a wide variety of biomasses, such as Chrysopogon zizanioides root powder [6], Phyllanthus emblica fruit stone [4], Opuntia fuliginosa and Agave angustifolia [8], Opuntia ficus indica [9,10], avocado pear [11], cucumber peal [12], rapeseed [13], taro [14], peanut shells [15], coffee and cocoa [16], etc. These biomasses include organic compounds, such as humic acids, lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, proteins, etc., containing carbonyl, carboxyl, amine, and hydroxyl groups, which are adsorption sites capable of fixing heavy metals [17].…”