Optimization and Characterization of a New Environmentally Friendly Adsorbent to Remove Mercury Ions from Aqueous Solutions

Mercury metal ions are very toxic, the presence of this metal and its derivatives, which are harmful even in very small amounts to the health of all organisms, was found in the study area. The purpose of this study is determination and elimination of Hg (II) ions from drinking water and aqueous environments. Modified and activated carbon produced from local plantain bark has been considered to be suitable and environmentally friendly material for mercury (II) ions removal in water treatments. 85% phosphoric acid chemical activator was used, It is then heated to 450°C for 5 h to carry out carbonization. The absorbent was characterized by SEM. Removal was performed by passing water containing ions through a column containing the adsorbent The prepared adsorbent well removed mercury ions from the aqueous solution, measuring of concentration mercury ions in samples from the inlet and outlet of the column was performed by two different methods, spectrophotometric determination at 492 nm with dithizone and atomic absorption (equipped with cold vaper apparatus) spectroscopy CVAAS, the results were almost the same. The various parameters such as pH, with (6–8), contact time (0.5, 1, 2, and 3 h), concentrations of metal ions entering the system (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 ppm), and agitation speed were investigated on adsorption effect. The efficiency of this absorbent for removal of Hg (II) ions is 87%. It can be used several times, which shows that this is a good adsorbent for elimination of mercury ions of real samples such as drinking water and industrial wastewaters, due to its ease of use, low cost and relatively good performance. The elimination method is simple, sensitive, inexpensive, fast, usable and vital for the peoples in this area