Sequestration of heavy metal ions from multi-metal simulated wastewater systems using processed agricultural biomass

Industrial effluents generally contain several metals, so during adsorptive treatment, they may influence the removal of each other. It is essential to explore the effect of co-cations on metal removal in multi-metal solutions. The present study examined the possibility of processed rice husk and saw dust to remove Cr6+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Cd2+ and Zn2+, from the single, binary and multi-component aqueous solutions. A substantial lesser removal of metal ions was observed in the presence of co-ions. This study revealed antagonistic effect on the removal of a particular metal ion, from the industrial effluent, even at optimum process parameters if other metal ions are present in the effluent. Although, a higher concentration of one metal ion than others in effluents increased its removal due to a greater number of ions as compared to other for the biosorption, yet presence of other ions influences the uptake of individual ions. In case of industrial effluents, maximum adsorption was obtained at pH 2.0 for Cr6+, 5.0 for Ni2+ and Cd2+ and 6.0 for Zn2+ and Cu2+. The study confirms the beneficial use of the studied biosorbents in water remediation.

Automated summary

The presence of multiple metals in industrial effluents can influence the removal of each metal during adsorptive treatment. This study reveals an antagonistic effect on the removal of a particular metal ion if other metal ions are present in the effluent. Although a higher concentration of one metal ion increases its removal, the presence of other ions affects the uptake of individual ions.