Adsorption Efficiency of Iron Modified Carbons for Removal of Pb(II) Ions from Aqueous Solution

Abstract Introduction: The Lead causes severe damage to several systems of the body, especially to bony tissues. Until now, several low-cost biosorbents have been studied for removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions. In the present study, carbonized pomegranate peels were modified with Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions and then removal of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solution was investigated. Materials & Methods: the washed granola of pomegranate peel was separately soaked with FeCl3 and FeCl2 solutions for 24 h. Then, the granules were carbonized at 400 ?C for 3 h in a programmable furnace in the atmosphere of nitrogen. The adsorption experiments were carried out for two types of iron-modified carbons by batch adsorption procedures using one variable at a time. Results: The optimum conditions included contact time 90 min, initial concentration 50 mg/l, and adsorbent dose, 1.0 g/100 ml solution. Maximum removal efficiency was calculated as 80% and 90% for Fe3+ and Fe2+ impregnated pomegranate peel carbons, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity estimated by means of the Langmuir model was 34.5 and 17.8 mg.g-1 for two adsorbents. Conclusion: The surfaces of iron treatment pomegranate peel carbons were well modified for adsorption of heavy metals. The results showed that chemical modification of the low-cost adsorbents originating from agricultural waste has stood out for lead removal capabilities.