CHARACTERIZATION AND ADSORPTION PROPERTIES OF HYPERICUM PERFORATUM L. FOR THE REMOVAL OF Cu2+ IONS FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS

The objective of the present study is the characterization of an adsorbent plant material based on Hypericum perforatum L. and the investigation of its feasibility for the removal of Cu2+ ions from aqueous solutions. XRD, TGA, FTIR, SEM and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption were used for the analytical characterization of the material. Particle size distribution and slurry pH of the investigated material were also determined. The effect of contact time, solution acidity and initial metal concentration on the adsorption of Cu(II) ions was studied by means of the batch method. Desorption studies have also been performed. Equilibrium experimental data were fitted to the linear Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm models. The maximum adsorption capacity was calculated and it was concluded that the material could be used as an effective biosorbent for the removal of copper ions from aqueous media.