The Adsorptive removal of lead (II) ions from aqueous solutions using sunflower seed husks activated Carbon / Cofe2o4 composite

Author

Mhishi, Munotidaishe

Title

The Adsorptive removal of lead (II) ions from aqueous solutions using sunflower seed husks activated Carbon / Cofe2o4 composite

Abstract

The escalating levels of heavy metal contamination in water bodies represent a significant global environmental concern. Among these pollutants, lead (II) ions are particularly hazardous due to their high toxicity and potential to accumulate in living organisms, leading to severe health issues. This study investigated the absorptive removal of lead from aqueous solutions using a novel sunflower seed husk activated carbon CoFe2O4 composite. Due to the rising levels of Lead in water bodies due to mining, leaded petrol and battery disposal, the following disorders have resulted as a responses to lead which include cardiovascular, reproductive and renal disorders hence its removal is needed so this research focuses on that. The composite was synthesized via the coprecipitation method and characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and zero-point charge analysis. The adsorption kinetics were evaluated using pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second order kinetic models, with the pseudo-first-order model providing a better fit (R2 = 0.9389) compared to the pseudo-second-order model (R2 = 0.8871). The adsorption isotherms were analyzed using Langmuir and Freundlich models, with the Langmuir model exhibiting a superior fit (R2 = 0.996) compared to the Freundlich model (R2 = 0.930). The results demonstrate the potential of sunflower seed husk activated carbon CoFe2O4 composite as an effective adsorbent for the removal of lead from aqueous solution.

Date

June 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Lead (II) Ions

Adsorptive Removal

Aqueous Solutions

Sunflower Seed Husks

Carbon / Cofe2o4 Composite

Supervisor

Dr. N. Muchanyereyi