Removal of Cu (II) from Aqueous Solution Using Chromolaena Leaf Powder as Adsorbent

Removal of Cu (II) from Aqueous Solution Using Chromolaena Leaf Powder as Adsorbent

This paper reports the feasibility of chromolaena odorata leaf powder as adsorbent for the adsorption of Cu (II) metal ions from aqueous solutions at various conditions. Various industries discharges heavy metals in water bodies, affect the aquatic life, human health and overall ecosystem adversely. So, it is needed to remove the heavy metals present in water using low cost techniques. In this direction, bio-sorption is identified. Batch experimental studies were carried out for the removal of Cu (II) from waste water by adsorption on chromolaena odorata leaf powder. The effect of several process parameters like the agitation time, the adsorbent size, adsorbent dosage, initial copper concentration, and the effect of solution pH on adsorption are studied. Both Langmuir and Freundlich models for Cu (II) adsorption onto chromolaena odorata leaf powder are proved to be best fit based on high regression coefficient R2 value. The adsorption kinetic models follow the second order. The maximum metal uptake observed at pH 6 for copper removal is 10.416 mg/g.