Enhanced Biosorption of Heavy Metals from Aqueous Solution Using Chemically Modified Banana (Musa Sapientum)

Main Article Content

Chika Danny Onuchuku
Ozioma Adaunwo Ekpete
Friday Kpee

Abstract

Due to the growing concerns about heavy metal contamination and its devastating impact on the economy, human health and the environment, developing efficient approaches for removing such contaminants has become essential. Adsorption is a cost-effective technique for removing these pollutants. In this study, banana peel adsorbent was prepared and chemically activated with 0.3M HNO3. Carbonization was carried out at 290°C for 15 mins prior to activation. Physicochemical characterization of the adsorbent revealed that the pH, moisture content (%), ash content (%), volatile matter content (%), bulk density (g/mL) and iodine number mg/g) was 6.70 ± 0.15, 9.24 ± 1.15, 5.41 ± 1.22, 12.53 ± 1.71, 0.15 ± 0.02 and 654.10 ± 0.01 respectively. FTIR spectrum of the adsorbent showed peaks at 3205, 2922, 1565, 1371 and 1028  cm-1. The SEM characterization of adsorbent depicted a semi-regular and heterogeneous morphology, characterized by an abundance of pores with diverse forms and sizes. Metal solutions containing Pb2+, Cu2+, Fe2+ and Zn2+ ions were prepared and batch experiments conducted to evaluate the effect of pH, temperature, dosage, contact time and initial concentration of ions. The optimum conditions for the removal of the four metals were at pH of 6, temperature of 50°C, adsorbent dosage of 0.2 g, contact time of about 75 mins and concentration of 100 mg/L for adsorbent and residual metal concentration were determined using AAS. The physicochemical properties of these adsorbents as well as the initial and residual metal concentrations after treatment showed statistically significant differences at 95% confidence limit (p ≤ 0.05), demonstrating the effectiveness of the adsorbent and the treatment process. The results of the present work highlighted potential usage of agro-waste in removing heavy metal pollutants and as such be implemented in water purification processes as these wastes are not only effective and efficient but sustainable and cost-effective.

Article Details

How to Cite
Onuchuku, C. D., Ekpete, O. A., & Kpee, F. (2025). Enhanced Biosorption of Heavy Metals from Aqueous Solution Using Chemically Modified Banana (Musa Sapientum). Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences Journal of Scientific Innovations , 7(1), 65–81. https://doi.org/10.63561/fnas-jsi.v7i1.1104
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