Abstract
Release of lead (Pb) to surface and ground water has been an issue of major concern especially in developing countries with lack of wastewater treatment facilities. Various techniques have been used to remove Pb from domestic and industrial wastewater. In this work, the applicability of silver doped zinc oxide nanocomposite (Ag-ZnO) has been investigated for the reduction of Pb(II) under different experimental conditions. ZnO nanocomposites were modified to doped ZnO by the application of potassium hydroxide (KOH) and subjection to thermal decomposition. The removal was tested at Ag-ZnO dose of 10 mu g and 1 mu g under the effect of pH (2 to 10) and contact time. The results showed complete reduction of Pb(II) with Ag-ZnO dose of 10 mu g as well as 1 mu g that corresponded to Ag-ZnO:Pb(II) ratio of 1:200. The treatment was affected by acidic conditions (pH below 3) but effective in the pH range of 4 to 10 with optimum removal at neutral pH. With respect to contact time, 98% of the removal was achieved in the first hour. The findings in this study suggested that Ag-ZnO could be an effective substitute technology to efficiently remove heavy metals from water.