Purification of Pb (II) ions from aqueous solution by camphor leaf modified with succinic anhydride

Camphor leaf from a native everygreen tree (Cinnamomum camphora) widely distributed in southwestern part of China is locally available waste in China. A novel biosorbent (SCLP) was prepared by modification camphor leaf with succinic anhydride for Pb (II) removal. SCLP was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Chemical modification reduces negative effects on the treated water, and it introduces carboxyl groups on the surface, improving the sorption capacity. Sorption of Pb (II) ions was evaluated at different SCLP dose, pH, contact time and initial concentration. Sorption equilibrium and kinetics were investigated by sorption isotherms and kinetic models. Sorption of Pb (II) onto SCLP follows pseudo-second order kinetics and Langmuir model. Ion exchange plays an important role for Pb (II) uptake onto SCLP. The removal rate and sorption capacity is up to 99.98% and 185.2 mg g(-1). It is anticipated that camphor leaf would find important application in purification Pb (II) from wastewaters, owing to the advantages of high efficiency, low cost and environmental friendliness. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.