Bioadsorption of Pb2+ and Cu2+ on Eucalyptus Camaldulensis Leaves

Herein, the efficiency of Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaves as biosorbent for lead and copper was investigated. The particle size distribution was determined by Granulometric analysis and the functional groups were identified by FT-IR spectroscopy. The effects of contact time, pH and initial metal ions concentration were investigated. The experimental kinetic data were well fitted by the pseudo-second order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm with a maximum adsorption capacity up to 71 mg g-1 and 37 mg g-1 for Cu2+ and Pb2+ respectively. The selectivity was examined in a binary ions solution where the adsorbent showed preference for lead over copper.