Binary adsorption of [Pb(II) plus Co(II)] from aqueous solution using thiolated saw dust

Technology advancement contributed to an increase in industrial activities, resulting in the introduction of metal ions into water resources at concentrations well above the WHO limits. Heavy metals are highly toxic and carcinogenic; usually occur as multicomponent mixtures in aquatic environment. In present study, batch experiments have been conducted to study the dependence of varying concentration, time, pH and temperature on the uptake of Pb(II) as pure component under equilibrium conditions using thiolated saw dust. Saw dust has been chemically modified with thioglycolic acid and characterised using proximate and FTIR analyses, degree of thiolation has also been determined. To determine the effect of presence of Co(II) ions on the uptake of Pb(II) ions, batch experiments for [Pb(II) thorn Co(II)] mixture have been carried out for concentration ratios of 1:0, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4 of Pb:Co at pH 5 and data has been interpreted using Langmuir competitive isotherm shows that adsorption of Pb(II) has been suppressed by the presence of Co(II) ions in the binary solution, hence the adsorption process is antagonistic in nature. Study also indicates the possibility of simultaneous removal of both metal ions using low cost bioadsorbent, which is economical specially for application in small scale industries.

Automated summary

Technological advancements have led to an increase in industrial activities, resulting in higher concentrations of metal ions in water resources. The study shows that thiolated saw dust can be used as a low-cost bioadsorbent for the simultaneous removal of both metal ions, offering an economical solution for small-scale industries.