Removal of Lead(II) and Zinc(II) from Aqueous Solutions Applying Fibber Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)

Abstract

Abstract Lead and zinc are heavy metals with toxic properties. These chemical elements are found in wastewater. The article deals with the removal of lead(II) and zinc(II) ions from polluted water using adsorption. As object of researches was selected natural polymer - fibber hemp (Cannabis sativa L.). Big quantities of fibber hemp are produced as waste in textile, agricultural industry, and therefore their usage could help to solve two problems -reducing quantity of fibber hemp as waste and reducing of water pollution by heavy metals. Pb(II) and Zn(II) ions adsorption with fibber hemp was investigated for contact time, pH, and heavy metal ions concentration impact. Pb(II) and Zn(II) ions biosorption rate was highest within the first hour, with optimal their biosorption recorded at pH = 5.0. Highest lead and zinc ions removal efficiency was recorded after 240-480 min and reached 60.5 and 61.7 % respectively. This study demonstrated the applicability and effectiveness of fibber hemp in lead and zinc ions removal, which could be applied for the sewage treatment plant in small scale.