Efficient Adsorption of Lead Ions from Synthetic Wastewater Using Agrowaste-Based Mixed Biomass (Potato Peels and Banana Peels)

Abstract

The aquatic environment is continuously being polluted by heavy metals released from industrial, domestic, agricultural, and medical applications. It is difficult to remove heavy metals, as they are nonbiodegradable. Heavy metals cause genotoxicity and serious carcinogenic disorders. Various conventional methods have been used for the removal of heavy metals, but these are time-consuming and not economical, so green methods, being economical, are preferred over conventional methods. Adsorption, being effective, environmentally friendly, and cheap, is often preferred. The present investigation investigated the adsorption efficiency of agrowaste-based biosorbents for removal of Pb(II) ion from the synthetic wastewater. Mixed biomass of banana peel and potato peels was used to create biosorbents. The biosorbents were characterized in terms of structural and surface morphology by SEM, while functional groups were analyzed by FT-IR and XRD analysis. The adsorption of Pb(II) was studied by a batch method, and various experimental parameters were studied. Optimum conditions for the removal of lead were pH = 5, concentration = 10 ppm, adsorbent dosage = 1.0 g, and contact time = 2 h. Kinetic modelling studies showed that the adsorption of Pb(II) ions followed a pseudo-second-order mechanism, and the Langmuir isotherm model was found to fit well for this study. Highlights: Synthesis of biosorbents (mixed biomass of potato peel and banana peel, biochar, TiO2 nanocomposites). Characterization of prepared biosorbents (SEM, XRD, FT-IR). Optimized parameters (pH, initial concentration, adsorbent dosage, and contact time) for removal of pollutant.