Cu2+ removal from aqueous solution by Platanus orientalis leaf powders

An investigation steeredto ascertain the adsorption potential of fallen Platanus orientalis leaf powder (FPOLP) ascost-effective adsorbentto removeCu2+from an aqueous solution. The FPOLP was physically activated in two different forms (oxidation) and (N2) flowconditions. Batch operations for Cu2+ adsorption were performed to ascertain adsorption characteristics of FPOLP and activated samples. The results indicated that the optimum activation temperature and time were 500 oC and 180 min, respectively, while the best Cu2+ removal was achieved when the solution was controlled at pH 3 and the adsorbent dosage at 3 g/L.Additionally, an evaluation of the mechanism of adsorption fitted very well intopseudo-second-order. FTIR, scanning electron microscopy and BETmeasurements suggested that the new functional groups and the increased surface area related to the porous structure played a critical role in Cu2+ removal by the activated leaf powder. FPOLP has a great potential to remove Cu2+ in an aqueous solution.