Removal of Lead (II) Ions from Waste Water by Using Lebanese Cymbopogon citratus (Lemon Grass) Stem as Adsorbent

The objective of this study was to investigate the possibility of using Lebanese Cymbopogon citratus stems as an alternative adsorbent for the removal of Pb (II) ions from aqueous solutions. The effect of different parameters such as the initial metal ion concentration, pH, adsorbent dose, contact time and temperature were studied. Maximum adsorption capacity (93%) of lead (II) ion was obtained at pH 4 and 25˚C after 1 hour for150 mg/L initial concentration. FT-IR analysis pointed out the involvement of amine and carboxyl group in the adsorption process. The adsorption isotherm was better described by Freundlich rather than Langmuir model. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the stem of Cymbopogon citratus is effective as an alternative adsorbent for the removal of toxic Pb (II) from waste water.

Author(s): Mona Sobh, Mhamad-Aly Moussawi,Wassim Ramma, Akram Hijazi, Hassan Rammal, Mohamad Reda, Joumana Toufaily and Tayssir Hamieh

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