Original Articles: 2015 Vol: 7 Issue: 9
Biosorption of cadmium (II) ions from aqueous solution by cassava (Manihot utilissima) leaves
Abstract
In this study, the ability of cassava (Manihot utilissima) leaves for Cd (II) removal was investigated. The effects of pH, biosorbent dosage, contact time, initial Cd (II) concentrations were also studied. The result showed that the adsorption process was strongly dependent on initial concentration and biosorbent dosage. The optimum pH value was 6, contact time 90 minutes, initial concentration 500 mg/L and biosorbent dosage was 0.1 g. The biosorption data were fitted to Langmuir isotherm with R2 = 0.9945. The spectroscopy analyses showed that the functional groups of –OH, C=O and –C=C- might be involved in adsorption. The Cd (II) ion concentrations were determined by the use of Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The analysis of biosorbent surface before and after adsorption was confirmed by the use of Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). It was concluded that Manihot utilissima leaves could potentially used as a biosorbent for Cd(II) in aqueous solution