Ashed SBE Adsorbent for Lead and Zinc (II) Ions: Kinetic and Equilibrium Studies

The present study investigated the adsorption potential of Ashed SBE (spent bleaching earth) to remove lead (II) and zinc (II) ions from industrial effluent. The effluent was found to have a higher percentage of lead (II) and zinc (II) ions beyond the acceptable WHO (World health organization) standards. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 29.8 and 43.4 mg/L for adsorption of lead (II) and zinc (II) ions respectively. Lead and zinc (II) ions removal was mainly influenced by the operating variables of the solid/liquid ratio and the pH of the aqueous phase. The kinetic data was evaluated and the pseudo-second-order equation provided the best correlation. The present study demonstrated that ASBE is a promising material that may be used for the removal of heavy metal ions from industrial effluents