Ashed SBE Adsorbent for Lead and Zinc (II) Ions: Kinetic and Equilibrium Studies

Genson Murithi, Karanja wa-Thiongo, Wachira Muthengia

Abstract: The present study investigated the adsorption potential of Ashed SBE (spent bleaching earth) to remove lead (II) and zinc (II) ions from industrial effluent. The effluent was found to have a higher percentage of lead (II) and zinc (II) ions beyond the acceptable WHO (World health organization) standards. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 29.8 and 43.4 mg/L for adsorption of lead (II) and zinc (II) ions respectively. Lead and zinc (II) ions removal was mainly influenced by the operating variables of the solid/liquid ratio and the pH of the aqueous phase. The kinetic data was evaluated and the pseudo-second-order equation provided the best correlation. The present study demonstrated that ASBE is a promising material that may be used for the removal of heavy metal ions from industrial effluents

Keywords: Adsorption, Ashed SBE, Isotherms Kinetics, Lead II and Zinc II ions