Adsorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II) Ions Onto Dye‐Attached Sawdust

Abstract

Sawdust from Pinus sylvestris was modified with Cibacron Blue F3GA. The dye was attached to the sawdust through a chemical reaction under alkaline conditions. The modified sawdust was then used to evaluate the adsorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions by investigating the effects adsorption time, pH and metal ion concentration. Adsorption rates were rapid and reached equilibrium after 15 min. The Langmuir isotherm was better fitted than the Freundlich isotherm for both metal ions. The maximum capacities of the monolayer adsorption were 56 μmol/g for Pb(II) and 72 μmol/g for Cd(II). Adsorption–desorption studies showed that Cibacron Blue F3GA‐attached sawdust from P. sylvestris can be used repeatedly to adsorb heavy metal ions without significant loss of adsorptive capacity.