Rjeas Research Journal in Engineering and Applied Sciences 1(5) 308-313 Rjeas © Emerging Academy Resources (2012) (ISSN: 2276-8467) www.emergingresource.org 308 REMOVAL OF PB 2+ AND CD 2+ IONS FROM WASTEWATERS USING PALM KERNEL SHELL CHARCOAL (PKSC) Emmanuel A. Oluyemi, Adewale F. Adeyemi, and Iyabo O. Olabanji Department of Chemistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Nigeria. Corresponding Author: Emmanuel A. Oluyemi ___________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACT The use of locally made adsorbent for heavy metal removal in industrial setting is becoming increasingly popular due to its low cost and effectiveness. This study aimed at the removal of Pb 2+ and Cd 2+ ions from wastewaters using Palm Kernel Shell Charcoal (PKSC). The influence of several operating parameters such as the effects of adsorbent dose, time of contact of adsorbate with adsorbent, and agitation speed were investigated. Equilibrium modeling for maximum efficiency was carried out using the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms. The results showed that the uptake capacity of the PKSC as adsorbent depends largely on dosage, shaking time and agitation speed. The removal efficiency was high. The optimum PKSC dose for cadmium and lead ions was 2.0 g/25mL of solution and the optimum shaking time were 45 and 50 min for cadmium and lead ions respectively. No equilibrium was reached for both ions with respect to agitation speed. The Freundlich adsorption model described well the sorption equilibrium of cadmium (II) ions and lead (II) ions on the PKSC in the studied conditions. Additionally, the monolayer capacity, q m , less than 1 in all the cases indicated that PKSC as adsorbent would be effective when the initial concentrations of the ions are low. These results show that, agricultural waste could be use as cheap and effective tool in the treatment of polluted water close to mining site or pollution that may occur due to industrial effluents. ©Emerging Academy Resources KEYWORDS: Adsorbent, Heavy Metals, Palm Kernel, Adsorption Isotherms, Wastewaters. ________________________________________________________________________________________ INTRODUCTION Excessive release of heavy metals into the environment due to industrialization and urbanization has posed a great problem worldwide. Unlike organic pollutants, whose majorities are susceptible to biological degradation, heavy metal ions do not degrade into harmless end products (Gupta et al., 2001). The presence of heavy metal ions is a major concern due to their toxicity to many life forms. Heavy metal contamination exists in effluents of many industries, such as paint, metal plating, mining operations, tanneries, radiator manufacturing, smelting, alloy industries, etc (Malakootian et al., 2009; Nasim et al., 2004). Chronic exposure to high amount of lead and cadmium can result in various damages to body systems. Moreover, high blood pressure, anaemia, lead poisoning coma and death can be considered among the most substantial consequences of exposure to these heavy metals (PCS, 2001; Malakootian et al., 2009). A number of methods for the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions are available, including microorganisms’ treatment, natural zeolite, calcinated phosphate, cocoa shell, coffee residue, sheep hoofs and fresh water plants (Semra et al., 2004; Erdem et al. 2004; Aklil et al., 2004; Meunier et al, 2004; Boonamnuayvitaya et al. 2004; Rafika et al., 2009 and Shama et al.,2010). It is known that adsorption is one of the most efficient methods for the removal of heavy metals from wastewater. Activated carbon is the most widely used adsorbent due to its excellent adsorption capability for heavy metals. However, the use of these methods is often limited due to the high cost, which makes them unaffordable for the needs of developing countries. Many reports have been published on the low-cost adsorbents for heavy metals from aqueous solutions (Bailey et al.1999: Babel and Tonni 2003). The need for safe and economical methods for the elimination of heavy metals from contaminated waters has necessitated research interest towards the production of low cost alternatives to commercially available activated carbon. Natural biopolymers are industrially attractive because of their capability of lowering transition metal ions concentrations to part per billion. Natural materials that are available in large quantities or certain waste from agricultural operations may have potential to be used as low cost adsorbents, as they represent unused resources widely available and are environmentally friendly (Deans and Dixon, 1992).