An Investigation into the potential of Diospyros kaki l. leaf in adsorption of heavy metal (Ni) from industrial waste water

Abstract

In the 21st century, the substantial increase in heavy metal contamination in nature is one of the most serious problems humankind confronts with and this problem continuous to rise with industrialization. So many industrial water bodies are polluted heavily with both organic and inorganic contaminants such as heavy metals and dyes discharged into them. Since heavy metals are non-biodegradable and cause irreversible damage to nature and habitat. İt is crucial to tackle this problem and to remove heavy metals from them. Adsorption is a simple but effective method to remove these metals. In this work, Diospyros Kaki leaves were used as biosorbent for the removal of heavy metal ion Ni (II). Adsorption, to be more precise, biosorption experiments were carried out at different pH levels. The effect of biomass dosage, contact time and initial concentrations on the removal of Ni (II) from the industrial waste water were also investigated. Different isotherm models such as Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were used to clarify the adsorption mechanism. The experimental results obtained cast hopeful light on disposing of heavy metals.