Effective Adsorption of Pb(II) Ions by Gel Beads of Sodium Alginate and Polyethylene Glycol

Novel gel beads were prepared using sodium alginate and polyethylene glycol to remove Pb(II) ions from aqueous solutions. The biopolymeric beads were characterized through scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy analyses. Effects of experimental parameters including initial pH, adsorbent dosage, reaction temperature, contact time, and initial metal ion concentration were discussed. The adsorption of Pb(II) ions followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics and fitted the Freundlich adsorption isotherm. Thermodynamic study also suggested that the adsorption reaction was spontaneous and exothermic. Chemical adsorption was found to be the main mechanism of Pb adsorption. The fabricated biosorbent exhibits potential for removal of Pb(II) ions.