Utilization of Tommy Atkins Mango Peel as a Sustainable Biosorbent for the Removal of Pb(II) Ions in Water

ABSTRACT The contamination of water resources by heavy metals, such as lead ions, represents a serious environmental and public health problem, requiring effective treatment methods. This study evaluated the adsorptive potential of Tommy Atkins mango peel as a biosorbent for removing lead ions from synthetic aqueous solutions. The mango peels were obtained in the city of Crato, CE, dried in an oven at 313.15 K for 3 days, and then ground to a uniform powder. The material was characterized using x‐ray fluorescence, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The fluorescence results indicated that the peel has a high potassium (5.093%) and calcium (2.170%) content, as well as significant incorporation of lead ions (28.882%) after the adsorption process. Infrared analysis identified functional groups such as ─OH, ─CH, ─C═O, and ─C─O, which are crucial for retaining metal ions. Electron microscopy images revealed a fibrous structure and uniform porosity, favoring adsorbent–adsorbate interaction. Kinetic studies showed that the pseudo‐first‐order model was the most suitable for describing the process, with an adjusted R 2 of 0.96258. The equilibrium time was reached in 60 min, with an adsorption capacity of 9.65 mg g −1 . Adsorption isotherms revealed that the Sips model provided the best fit to the experimental data, with maximum adsorption capacities of 72.57, 51.44, and 30.92 mg g −1 at temperatures of 278.15, 298.15, and 318.15 K, respectively, with greater efficiency observed at lower temperatures. Thermodynamic analysis indicated an exothermic process, with Δ H ° (−53.97 kJ mol −1 ), Δ S ° (−0.161 kJ mol −1 K −1 ), and negative Δ G ° confirming the favorable and spontaneous nature of adsorption, alongside a reduction in system entropy. Tommy Atkins mango peel, therefore, demonstrates promising characteristics as a biosorbent, combining efficiency in the adsorption process with environmental sustainability due to its origin as agricultural waste. This study contributes to the valorization of plant by‐products and expands the possibilities of accessible and sustainable solutions for the treatment of water contaminated by heavy metals.