Adsorption of Heavy Metals by Reed (Phragmites australis) as a Potential Clean Water Technology

Abstract

In this study the adsorption behavior of reed tissues has been investigated in a batch system in order to determine its applicability in treating wastewater. The optimum conditions for the treatment process were investigated by observing the influence of organ of plant (leaf, stem, root), pH levels, the presence of competing ions, initial concentration and of the reed tissues. The results indicated that the adsorption capacity was strongly affected by the initial concentration, pH levels and organ of plant. Optimum adsorption of Pb (II) was observed at pH 7.0, initial Pb(II) concentration 20 mg/L, temperature 25-45 0C and contact time 30 minute. It has a good fit for the Freundlich compared with Langmuir isotherm models. As well as, Pseudo second – order kinetic model was fit better than pseudo first order model. Phragmites Australia shows that it is feasible for this plant material as a novel adsorbent for Pb(II) removal in the future.