ADSORPTION OF WATER-BORNE PB2+ OVER CHEMICALLY-TREATED LEAVES OF TRIDAX PROCUMBENS

Abstract

Lead concentrations were estimated in different components of the irrigation area, specifically the water and submerged plants (Echinocloa colona, Cyperus rotundus, Phylantus amarus, Typha and Water hyacinth). Unacceptable levels of Pb2+ were present in the irrigation water which is presumably led to considerable concentration in the submerged plants. Among the submerged plants studied, Typha contained the highest Pb2+ concentration. The adsorptive capacity of leaf powder of Tridax procumbens for the removal of Pb+2 has been demonstrated using synthetic solutions. The adsorption proceeded by pseudo second order rate scheme with rate constant standing at 61.89 g/ mg min.