Cd (II) removal from aqueous solution using Nanocomposite

Heavy metal pollution has become an environmental problem throughout the world because heavy metals can be accumulated into the food chain and cause serious problems, not only for ecosystems but also for human health [1]. Hydroxyapatite Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 (HAp) is a main mineral constituent of teeth, bones and phosphate mineral rocks. It belongs to apatite mineral family [2]. The general aim of this study is to investigate adsorption capability of cellulose composites made with nano- hydroxyapatite which, biocompatibility, biodegradability, etc than the individual components and hence be utilized at field conditions. Hybrid polymeric composites namely nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HAp)/ Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) were synthesized by precipitation method and used for the removal of Cd(II) from drinking water which has not been reported so far. The n-HApCMC composite was tested for the adsorption of Cadmium from aqueous solution and compared its removal capacity with nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HAp). We obtained that the binding of nano-HAp powder with cellulose makes it convenient to use practically and its removal capability was also retained in n-HApCMC which makes n- HApCMC composite as an effective adsorbent for the removal of Cd(II) from aqueous solution. The adsorption process followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and obeyed Langmuir adsorption isotherm for metal ions studied.