Biosorption of Cd2+, Cu2+ and Pb2+ Using Immobilized Moringa oleifera Leaves

Abstract

Abstract

In demonstration of the effectiveness of immobilized Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) leaves (IMOL) for the removal of metal ions from wastewater, the leaves of M. Oleifera were immobilized by entrapping them within a polymeric matrix of calcium alginate. The concentration of residual metal ions after sorption was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The result of sorption capacity of Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺ were found to be 99.59±0.061, 99.58±0.063 and 46.15±0.032% respectively. There was an increase in sorption capacity as contact time, pH and initial metal ion concentration increased, and decrease in sorption capacity as ionic strength increased. The possibility of M. oleifera leaves to absorb Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺ proved the result as an effective technology for wastewater treatment and cheaper means of metal ion removal from wastewater compared to other standard methods.

Keywords: M. oleifera leaves, immobilization, sorption capacity, metal ions

Cite this Article

Osemeahon SA, Nkafamiya II, Anioke D, et al. Biosorption of Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺ Using Immobilized Moringa oleifera Leaves. Journal of Water Pollution & Purification Research. 2016; 3(3): 23–28p.