Biosorption of Cadmium (II) from Aqueous Solutions by Prunus A vium Leaves

Abstract

A new biosorbent from Prunus avium (sweet cherry) leaves was used to remove cadmiu m(II) fro m aqueous solutions. The biosorption of cadmiu m(II) was found to be dependent on solution pH, initial metal ion concentrations, biosorbent dose, and contact time. The experimental equilibriu m b iosorption data were analyzed by two widely used two-parameters, Lang muir and Freundlich isotherm models. The Langmu ir model gave a better fit than the Freundlich model. The kinetic studies indicated that the biosorption process of the cadmiu m ions followed well pseudo-second-order model. It was concluded that Prunus avium leaves powder can be used as an effective, low cost, and environmentally friendly biosorbent for the removal of Cd(II) ions from aqueous solution.