Biosorption of Cu(II) Ions from Aqueous Solution using Plantain Stalk (Musa Paradisiaca L.)

Abstract

The study presents the adsorption of Cu (II) ions from aqueous solution by plantain stalk (musa paradisiacal) in relation to its equilibrium and kinetics characteristics, using batch adsorption method. The adsorbent was characterized using FTIR Spectrometry. The following functional groups were observed; hydroxyl, carbonyl, amine and phosphate groups which confirms the potential capability of sorption of the biosorbent. The study shows that there was optimum adsorption at pH 6.0 (75.41%) for Cu (II) ions. There was significant adsorption from the lowest to the highest time (5-180mins) and also there is a significant removal of the metal ions from the lowest to the highest concentration (10 mg/l-500 mg/l). The study also revealed that adsorption of Cu(II) ions by plantain stalk from aqueous solution is best described by Langmuir isotherm due to its R2 values of 0.950. When both order rate equations were tested, data showed a good compliance with the pseudo-second-order rate constant for Cu(II) ions due to its R2 value of 0.999, while the data for pseudo-first-order did not show a good compliance with Cu(II) ions due to its R2 value of 0.549. The results obtained from this study show that plantain stalk is a good adsorbent for the removal of Cu (II) ions from aqueous solution.