Adsorption of Lead (ii), Chromium (vi) and Manganese (ii) metal ions from water using modified Pennisetum purpureum Schumach plant stalk
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Date
2022
Authors
Murage, D.
Masika, E.
Wanyonyi, W. A.
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Abstract
Water pollution is a global problem affecting humanity.
Availability of clean water is a fundamental prerequisite to
public health safety and the survival of the human race as
well as animals. However, pollution of river water by heavy
metal ions deposition is a grave environmental problem.
Presence of the heavy metals in the water, pose a serious
health risk particularly to rural populations which rely
majorly on the river water for domestic purposes. Several
methods for elimination of the heavy metal pollutants from
river waters have been previously employed. However,
most of these methods are expensive and cumbersome,
hence not sustainable. This research explored the
potential of modified Pennisetum purpureum Schumach
plant adsorbent in removal of Lead (II), Manganese (II)
and Chromium (VI) ions from spiked water samples by
adsorption. Surface analysis of the adsorbent using FTIR
Photometer confirmed presence of functional groups such
as -NH2, C=O and O-H responsible for adsorption of
heavy metal ions. Concentration of heavy metal ions in
water samples was determined before and after adsorption
process using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS)
and means concentration computed. Effect of changes
in pH on adsorption was investigated by conducting
adsorption at three different pH conditions of 5, 7 and
9. Modification of the adsorbent surface improved its
adsorption capacity. For instance, at pH 5, adsorption
of Cr+6
increased from 12% to 14.82% when modified
adsorbent was used. The modified adsorbent achieved
greater % adsorption in all the three metals. Increase in
the pH of adsorption from 5 to 9 had a reducing effect
on the percent adsorption. At pH of 5 the % adsorption
of Pb+2 reduced from 90.26% to 73.75% at pH of 9. This
reductions in percentage adsorption were recorded for
Pb+2 and Mn+2 ions but not significant for Cr+6 ions. These
results show the potential of P. purpureum plant for use as
an adsorbent in purification/detoxification of river water
which would present a cheaper and more readily available
alternative to many current adsorbents and adsorption
methods in use. However further research is needed to
determine the optimal set of conditions as well as the most
suitable modification treatment for maximum adsorption
Description
article
Keywords
Pennisetum purpureum Schumach, Adsorption, Functional groups, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy
Citation
Murage, D., Masika, E., & Wanyonyi, W. (2022). Adsorption of Lead (ii), Chromium (vi) and Manganese (ii) metal ions from water using modified Pennisetum purpureum Schumach plant stalk. African Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, 3(2), 213-220. https://doi.org/10.33886/ajpas.v3i2.294