The characterization of metal oxide - Mangifera indica L. matrix and its potential as scavenger of heavy metal pollutant

Abstract

Widespread pollution by heavy metals requires an efficient, cheap and eco-friendly removal technique. This paper reports the use of discarded leaves of Mangifera indica L. modified to enhance their adsorption efficiency in the removal of heavy metal pollutant. The adsorbent was then characterized through X-ray diffraction study, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and application to mathematical models. The adsorption process was found to fit the Langmuir’s isotherm model and pseudo-first-order kinetic model. The intra-particle diffusion model was found to be the rate limiting step for the adsorption process. Its rapid kinetics, high hydrophilicity, and easy regenerability with mild mineral acid (like 0.005 M HCl) make this adsorbent suitable for the fixed bed column technique.

Keywords:

• Characterization
• metal oxides
• hydrophilicity
• heavy metals