Highly efficient removal of toxic ions by the activated carbon derived fromCitrus limon tree leaves

The purpose of this study was to remove lead and arsenic ions from aqueous solutions using the activated carbon prepared fromCitrus limon tree leaves. Characteristics of the prepared adsorbent were studied thoroughly using BET, SEM, EDS and mapping, XRD, and RAMAN analyses. The results of experiments showed that the highest adsorption efficiencies were 97.67% and 95.89% for Pb (II) and As (III), respectively. Additionally, the adsorbent was successfully regenerated four times and therefore it was able to perform the adsorption and desorption processes well. Moreover, the results of adsorption kinetics showed that the pseudo second-order kinetic model was more effective for the description of adsorption mechanism of both metals. Furthermore, the equilibrium studies indicated that Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were desirable for lead and arsenic ions, respectively.

Automated summary

This study aimed to remove lead and arsenic ions from aqueous solutions using activated carbon prepared from Citrus limon tree leaves. The highest adsorption efficiencies were found to be 97.67% and 95.89% for Pb(II) and As(III) respectively. The adsorbent was successfully regenerated four times and the pseudo second-order kinetic model was effective in describing the adsorption mechanism of both metals. Additionally, Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were suitable for lead and arsenic ions, respectively.