Removal of Lead (Pb) From Aqueous Solutions Using Lignocellulose Nanofiber

The objective of this study was to investigate the removal of lead from aqueous solutions using Lignin-containing cellulose (LCNF) as natural adsorbent and advanced material in the batch system. The water sources contaminated with heavy metals, such as lead, have now become one of the major issues in the world due to non-degradability and huge adverse effects on the health of living organisms. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to analyze the physical, chemical, and structural properties of LCNFs. The parameters measured in the batch system included pH (4-9), adsorbent dosage (0.1-1 g), contact time (15-120 minutes), initial lead concentration (10-50 mg/L), and temperature (15-40°C). The data for each treatment were statistically studied by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s test. Based on the results, the optimal parameters were determined to be initial lead concentration of 10 mg/L, pH of 6, and adsorbent dosage of 0.3 g/L. The highest lead removal efficiency was achieved at 25°C. The system reached equilibrium at 60 minutes, and then there was little change in lead removal. The results of this study showed that LCNF, by removing more than 99% of lead from aqueous solutions, is a suitable adsorbent for removing lead from aqueous solutions.