Application of modified maize hull for removal of Cu(II) ions from aqueous solutions

Abstract

Discharge of industrial waste containing heavy metals to the environment is a main concern because of their toxicity to many life forms. Adsorption process is one of the conventional methods in order to adsorb heavy metals from wastewater effluents. Therefore, the removal of Cu(II) from aquatic solutions using modified maize hull was investigated. All experiments were performed in batch conditions. The residual Cu(II) concentration was measured by AAS. Upon increasing the adsorbent dosage, pH, and contact time and decreasing Cu(II) concentration, the removal efficiency of Cu(II) ions increased. In optimum conditions, 50% of copper was removed by modified maize hull. The experimental data were best fitted by the Langmuir type 2 model and the adsorption kinetic model followed a pseudo-second order type 1 model. It seems that the use of the modified maize hull to remove Cu(II) ions is very suitable, low-cost, and efficient