Abstract
TAMARIXAPHYLLA biomass (TAB) is a low cost adsorbent that has been used for the removal of Pb(II) ions from an aqueous solution. It was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to support the adsorption of Pb(II) ions. The ability of TAB to adsorb Pb(II) ions was investigated by using batch adsorption procedure. The effects of various parameters such as solution pH, adsorbent concentration, contact time and initial Pb(II) ions concentration were examined. The adsorbent data were analyzed using two, three, four and five parameter models at 30 degrees C by using nonlinear regression analysis. Various kinetic models including the Pseudo-first-order, Pseudo-second-order, Elovich, Intra-particle diffusion and Bangham models have been applied to the experimental data to predict the adsorption mechanism. It was found that pseudo-second-order rate was better obeyed than pseudo-first-order reaction supporting that chemisorption process was involved. The examination of error analysis methods showed that the Langmuir model provide the best fit for experimental data than other isotherms. The obtained results show that TAB can be used as an effective and a natural low-cost adsorbent for the removal of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solutions.