Sorption of metals from polluted water using pyrolyzed banana peel (BP) is a low cost and sustainable technology. Sun dried BP, pyrolyzed at 500� C and 600� C, were tested as adsorbents for Cu(II) from aqueous solutions. The adsorbents were characterized using TGA, FT-IR, electrophoresis, BET surface area analysis, SEM, and XRD analysis. Pyrolysis resulted in higher surface area and negatively charged particles that dramatically increased the adsorption capacity of raw PB. ANOVA of results of batch statistical DOE studies showed that the pH was the most significant factor followed by mass of adsorbent, and initial Cu(II) concentrations, and the tumbling time was insignificant. Equilibrium adsorption isotherms data for Cu(II) uptake using fresh and pyrolyzed BP were fitted to the linearized Langmuir and Freundlich models. Freundlich's model fitted the data better, and showed the degree of favorability for pyrolyzed BP=1.25 with adsorption capacities of 351 mg/g. Sorption kinetics followed pseudo second order model.

Sustainable and low cost approach for cleaning metal contaminated waters using pyrolized banana peel

246th National Meeting (2013)

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