Surface modification of pine cone powder and its application for removal of Cu(II) from wastewater

• DOI: 10.5004/dwt.2010.1230
• Publication Date: 2010-08-07T23:50:55Z
• Authors: A.E. Ofomaja; E.B. Naidoo; S.J. Modise
• Keywords: Biosorption; Conifer cone

Pine cone powder is an agricultural waste material from the wood industry. In this investigation, chemical modification of pine using NaOH solution different concentrations (0.01, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15 mol dm−3) was carried out. The changes in surface properties produced by ability modified products to remove copper(II) aqueous examined. Chemical characterization adsorbent FTIR Bohem titration showed that increase concentration wash found reduce amounts carboxyl phenolic groups iodine number. pHPZC raw reduced with 7.49 2.55. Optimum concetration for dm−3, while optimum pH, contact time biosorbent dose removal were pH 5.0, 5 min 4.0 g dm−3 all samples. Copper(II) capacity higher samples washed (PCP 6.8 mg g−1, PCP 0.1 13.01 0.05 15.03 0.10 16.38 g−1 17.22 g−1). equilibrium at end biosorption experiments than initial when used but lower applied. This may suggest a mechanism uptake as compared paseudo-second order kinetics gave best fit experimental data both powder.