Column study using modified banana pseudo stem as adsorbent for removal of Pb (II)

Eco-friendly adsorbents such as banana pseudo stem play a fundamental role in the removal of heavy metal elements from the wastewater. Key water resources and chemical industries have been encountering difficulties in removing heavy metal elements using existing conventional methods. The lead-removal process is currently a challenging task for environmental scientists and engineers in terms of cost, effluent disposal, and safety concerns. Hence, this work demon-strates the adsorption of Pb (II) onto modified banana pseudo stem (MBPS) powder as a potential adsorbent to treat different effluents. A characterization of modified banana pseudo-stem powder was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy which confirms the material. Experiments carried out using a column process for the removal of lead (II) from an aqueous solution at a fixed concentration of 50 ppm, pH 6 and contact time 120 min. The BET surface area of MBPS was found to be 7.27 m2/g. The results showed that the column studies explain better performance for the removal of Pb (II) and the maximum removal was found to be 49% at lower flow rate (5 mL/min) of fixed initial concen-tration of 50 ppm.

Automated summary

Eco-friendly adsorbents like banana pseudo stem are crucial in removing heavy metal elements from wastewater. Conventional methods have posed difficulties for key industries in removing these elements. The removal of lead (II) is particularly challenging due to cost, effluent disposal, and safety concerns. This study demonstrates the potential of modified banana pseudo stem (MBPS) powder as an adsorbent for treating various effluents by investigating the adsorption of Pb (II). The results show that column studies with MBPS exhibit better performance in removing Pb (II), with a maximum removal rate of 49% at a lower flow rate (5 mL/min) and a fixed initial concentration of 50 ppm.