Efficient removal of Pb(II) ions from accidental polluted waters by adsorption onto thermal activated lignin

Adsorption of Pb(II) ions onto thermal activated lignin was studied in batch system in order to analyze the potential use of this material as low cost adsorbent for rapid and efficient removal of Pb(II) ions from accidentally polluted waters. The experiments were performed as a function of initial Pb(II) concentration and contact time under optimal experimental conditions (initial solution pH of 6.0, adsorbent dose of 5.0 g/L). The obtained results have indicate that thermal activated lignin can remove more than 99 % of Pb(II) from aqueous solutions and the adsorption process occurs in a very short time (lower than 5 min). These characteristics recommend the thermal activated lignin as potential adsorbent for Pb(II) ions removal in such situations.