Preparation and characterization of Pericopsis elata adsorbent for the treatment of heavy metal ions in a simulated waste water

Abstract

The research aimed at using Pericopsis elata adsorbent to elute heavy metals in waste water. The Pericopsis elata was charred and activated with 0.1 M HNO3. The results of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) indicates broad band at 3742.03 and 3688.2 cm-1 (ranging from 3000 - 4000 cm-1) and were attributed to OH group stretch from alcohol and the water molecules adsorbed at the surface of the adsorbent that interact with the oxygen atoms and internal hydroxyl groups. This suggests that the adsorption was done on the OH bending of water. Zeiss EVO 50 Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was used in this study, the result showed that the structure of the Pericopsis elata adsorbent was observed at magnification of 10, 100,000 times with virtually unlimited depth of field. The SEM micrographs indicated macropores in the Pericopsis elata adsorbent showed large cavity. SEM results showed the surface morphology feature of the adsorbents which is an indication that important interaction occurred between the adsorbate and adsorbent granule interface in the experimental conditions. X-Ray Fluorescence Characterized the Adsorbent and the results showed the following chemical composition based on atomic concentration; carbon 89.39%, oxygen 6.56%, calcium 0.96%, nitrogen 2.19%, aluminium 0.47%, magnesium 0.22%, iron 0.09%, Phosphorus 0.05%, Silicon 0.04%, Sulfur 0.03%. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm provided information on the capacity of absorbent. The results indicated that an important interaction occurred between the adsorbate and adsorbent-granule interface.