Adsorption of Ni (II) metal ion from aqueous solution by using Leucaena Leucocephala pods: article

Removal of nickel is focused since the presence of nickel in wastewater or aqueous solution becomes harmful to human health and environment at a high level of nickel uptake. The adsorptive removal of Ni (II) metal ion was studied using modified Leucaena leucocephala pod adsorbent which is an economic agricultural waste. The characterization of Leucaena leucocephala pod adsorbent were evaluated by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and X-ray Fluoresence (XRF). Effects of various parameters such as pH, contact time and adsorbent dose on the adsorption percentage and capacity of Ni (II) metal ion have been investigated. The results show that the point zero charge of the adsorbent was identified at pH 6. The maximum adsorption of Ni (II) ions on Leucaena leucocephala pod was 89.7% at pH 8. The amount of Ni (II) metal adsorbed per unit weight of adsorbent increases with time and reach equilibrium after 160 minutes of shaking time. 0.25 g of adsorbent dosage was the most optimum and economical for the adsorption of Ni (II) heavy metal. The major functional groups involved in the adsorption process were identified as hydroxyl, ether and C-O-C as revealed by the FT-IR analysis. The chemically treated adsorbent demonstrated a potential application for efficient removal of Ni (II) ions from aqueous solution and also industrial wastewater.