Authors:
Naser Hamdi; Fahmi A. Abu Al-Rub; Munther Kandah; Hussein Allaboun; Julie Hamdi;
Abstract:
In this study, the potential use of Palm Tree Leaf (PTL) particles for the removal of copper ions from aqueous
solution was investigated. The effects of shaking time, Cu2+ concentration and equilibrium pH on the
biosorption of copper ions from aqueous solution were studied. Batch biosorption experiments proved the
technical feasibility of using PTL particles to remove copper ions from aqueous solutions, where Cu2+ uptake
of 17.6 mg/g was observed. The biosorption of copper on PTL particles was pH dependent and maximum
copper sorption was found to occur at an equilibrium pH of 5.5. The equilibrium sorption data of copper on
PTL particles was described by 2 two-parameter isotherm models: the Freundlich and the Langmuir models,
as well as by the three-parameter Redlich-Peterson model. While all three models proved a good fit for the
equilibrium sorption data, CFEF non-linear regression analysis indicated that the Redlich-Peterson model
resulted in the best fit. Dynamic studies revealed that the initial uptake of copper on PTL particles was rapid,
where equilibrium was established within 15 minutes and that the data followed the pseudo second-order
reaction.
Keywords:
Biosorption, Copper, Palm tree leaves, Isotherms.