Studies on the removal of copper ions from industrial effluent by Azadirachta indica powder

Rapid industrialization, urbanization and population growth have resulted in air, water and land pollution. Water pollution is a major concern across the globe. Discharge of huge amount of industrial wastewater adversely affects the human and environment. Heavy metal pollution is considered to be one of the serious environmental problems today. Due to strict environmental regulations in the country, it is required to bring down the pollution level to a permissible limit. The present study assessed the capability of Azadirachta indica (neem leaf) powder as a natural adsorbent in the removal of copper ions from aqueous solutions. The characterization of the adsorbent was performed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Series of batch experimental studies were carried out by changing the solution pH, stirring time, adsorbent dosage and stirring speed in the removal of copper from aqueous solution using A. indica as biosorbent. The experimental result shows that the percentage removal of copper was highest at the following optimized conditions: pH 7.0, stirring time 60 min and biosorbent dosage of 1.0 g and at 125 RPM speed. The studies indicate that A. indica is considered to be a promising type of biomass for the removal of copper ions from aqueous solutions.