Adsorptive Removal of Lead Ions from Aqueous Solution Using Biosorbent and Carbon Nanotubes

In this work, the removal of poisonous Pb (II) from aqueous solution by different adsorbents was investigated. Aloe Vera plant (AV), activated Aloe Vera leaves powder (AAV) and multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were used as different adsorbents. The modification of Aloe Vera plants was carried out by acid activation. The adsorption process was characterized by FTIR and BET. The results of (BET) showed improvement in surface area of Aloe Vera (AV) after activation from (13.8 m2/g) to (24.6 m2/g). The results of (FT-IR) exhibited new the functional groups such as (C=C, C-Hs, C-Os) of acid activated Aloe Vera. Also the results of (BET) showed MWCNTs have (63.9 m2/g) surface area. The results of (FT-IR) showed MWCNTs have functional groups are (O-H, C=H, C=C). The effect of different parameters such as adsorbent dosage, pH of adsorbate solution and contact time was studied for removing of pb2+ from aqueous solutions onto each of adsorbent of AV, AAV and MWCNTs. The maximum adsorption efficiency of pb2+ onto each of adsorbents at best conditions were selected to be (97.29%) for AV at (2.2 g, pH 5and 6 hr), (97.28%) for AAV at (1.6 g, pH 5 and 6hr) and for MWCNTs are (97.55%) at (0.06 g, pH 5 and 6hr). The equilibrium data characterized by the models. The Freundlich isotherm correlates well with the experimental data than Langmuir and Temkin adsorption isotherm when using AV, AAV and MWCNTs as adsorbent.