Equilibrium and Kinetic studies on removal of Copper from aqueous solution using Shorea Robusta (Sal Leaves)

Abstract

The presence of metal ions in final industrial effluent is extremely undesirable. In recent years, the excessive release of heavy metals into the environment is a major concern worldwide. Under certain environmental conditions, metals may accumulate to toxic levels and cause ecological damage. Metals such as copper, zinc, lead, cadmium, arsenic, and chromium (VI) are regarded as toxic. The MCLG for copper is 1.3 mg/L or 1.3 ppm. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has set this level of protection based on the best available science to prevent potential health problems. Many methods such as ion-exchange, chemical precipitation, reverse osmosis, adsorption can be used to remove the metal ions, but Biosorption was found to be the most effective, relatively cheaper and less harmful by-product is produced. In order to study the removal of Copper ions from its aqueous solution, a biological adsorbent or biosorbent was used, called Shorea Robusta, commonly known as Sal Leaves. Optimization of contact time and pH was done and the effect of dosage of bio-sorbent, initial metal concentration and size of adsorbent on the amount of metal removed was studied. The maximum removal of copper was attained at pH 8, biosorbent dose of 0.1g per 100 ml of sample, at 180 minutes with metal concentration of 20 mg/L or 20 ppm. With a thorough study of the conducted experiments, it can be concluded that the MCLG of copper (1.3 ppm) can be met with optimization of all the parameters studied.