Adsorption of Ni(II) and Cd(II) Ions from Aqueous Solutions by Modified Surface of Typha latifolia L. Root, as an Economical Adsorbent

The modified surface of Typha latifolia L. root (MSTL), as an alternative economical adsorbent, was used for the removal of Ni (II) and Cd(II) ions from aqueous solutions. The effect of initial pH, initial concentration of metal ion, and contact time was investigated in a batch system at room temperature. The kinetics data could be fitted well by pseudo-second-order model with correlation coefficient values greater than 0.99. The mechanism of adsorption process was tested by fitting the experimental data by intraparticle diffusion kinetic and Boyd kinetic equations. The adsorption data could be fitted well by Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms. The maximum adsorption capacity of MSTL was determined to be 37.31 mg g-1 for Ni2+ and 28.90 mg g-1 for Cd2+ at room temperature when the initial concentration of both metal ion was 100 mg/L, and the pH of the solution was 5.00 and 4.00 for Ni2+ and Cd2+, respectively. It has been suggested that the MSTL can be successfully applied for the removal of toxic heavy metal ions such as Ni2+ and Cd2+ from aqueous solutions.