KINETICS AND EQUILIBRIUM STUDIES OF Zn2+ IONS REMOVAL FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS BY USE OF NATURAL WASTE

The ability of Bael Tree (BT) leaf powder to adsorb zinc (Zn2+) from aqueous solution has been investigated through batch experiments. The Zn2+ adsorption was found to be dependent on contact time and initial Zn2+ concentration. The kinetic processes of Zn2+ adsorption on BT leaf powder were described by applying pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order rate equations. The kinetic data for the adsorption process obeyed pseudo-second-order rate equations. The equilibrium data well described by Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms. The maximum adsorption capacity determined from the Langmuir isotherm was found to be 2.083 mg/g at 25oC. The BT leaf powder investigated in this study showed the good application potential for the removal of zinc from aqueous solution. The goal for this work is to develop inexpensive, highly available, effective metal ion adsorbents from natural waste as alternative to existing commercial adsorbents.