Removal of cadmium (II) from aqueous solution by using leucaena leucocephala pods

Heavy metals in wastewater is a growing concern whereby industrialization and populace growth were the major factors of many rising heavy metal ions in wastewater. One of the toxic heavy metal ions is Cd (II) ion where it was studied by the adsorption of Cd (II) on pods of Leucaena Leucocephala (LL). Sequestration of heavy metal ions by using adsorption technique utilizing bio adsorbent is developing as a economical potential option. Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Point Zero Charge were used to characterize the pods of Leucaena Leucocephala (LL). The effect of adsorbent dosage, pH and contact time were investigated through batch experiment in this study. The optimum removal of Cd (II) ion were found at concentration of 50 mg/L, pH 8, 0.25g of adsorbent dosage and a 160 min of contact time. This study revealed that the Leucaena Leucocephala pods are also a viable alternative as it is economical of bio adsorbent for Cd (II) ions removal in wastewater discharged from industry.