Abstract
Heavy metals pollution has become one of the most serious problems today and the use of plant biomass for the detoxification of industrial effluents for environmental protection and recovery of valuable metals offers a potential alternative to existing treatment technologies. Considering the fact that Cyperus laevigatus is resistant to polluted environmental and has the capability to accumulate heavy metals in its body, plant biomass itself can also be used to remove heavy metals from contaminated water by harnessing its natural properties. In this research the experimental design technique was used to optimize the biosorption of cadmium and lead ions by Cyperus laevigatus biomass from aqueous solutions, simulating industrial effluents. The removal of Cd+2 and Pb+2 was studied, separately, using the factorial design 2(3). The three factors screen were pH, temperature (T) and metal ion concentration (X) at two markedly different levels : pH (2.0 and 6.0) T (20 and 45 degrees C) and X (20 and 800 mg l(-1)). The most significant effect for Cd+2 and Pb+2 biosorption was ascribed to T. The interaction effect of X. pH and T.X also have a significant influence on the Pb+2 efficiency. A normal distribution was observed between the predicted values (model) and the observed (experimental). [Khairia M.Al-Qahtani Biosorption of Cd+2 and Pb+2 on Cyperus laevigatus: application of factorial design analysis] Life Science Journal 2012; 9(4):860-868]. (ISSN: 1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 133