Adsorption of Ni(II), Cd(II) and Cr(III) on the Palm Thread Ash Burned at Low Temperature

Abstract

Adsorption of Ni(II), Cd(II) and Cr(III) from aqueous solutions was studied by using a novel adsorbent (ash-palm thread), palm thread (PT) burned at low temperature. The electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to analyze the sorbent. The effects of contact time, adsorption temperature and initial pH on the adsorption were examined. The results showed that ash-palm thread had larger specific surface area and many active groups good to the adsorption; the adsorption reached the equilibrium ca. 480 min and was influenced by pH and temperature. The adsorption kinetics was better meet the Lagergren pseudo second kinetic model. The adsorption isotherms were better fitted Langmuir adsorption model. The sorption performance of ash-palm thread indicates that it is an effective biosorbent for removing heavy metals from aqueous solutions.