ADSORPTION OF Pb(II) FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS BY ACTIVATED CARBON PREPARED FROM AGRICULTURAL WASTE: MAIZE LEAVES

Abstract

Adsorption of Pb (II) from the aqueous solutions was studied using activated carbon prepared by agricultural waste maize leaves. The influence of Pb (II) concentration (5-30 mg L-1), pH (2-8) and contact time (0-120 min.) on adsorption have been reported. Adsorption of Pb (II) is pH dependent and the results indicate that, optimum pH for the removal was found to be 4 for maize leaves activated carbon (MLAC). The Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models were also used to describe the adsorption of Pb (II) on MLAC .Results shows that both the isotherms were fitted well. Maximum adsorption of lead on MLAC attained was 96 %. The results suggest that MLAC can be used as adsorbent for the removal of Pb (II) from aqueous solutions as industrial wastewater.