Investigation of Lead Binding by Tithonia diversifolia

Abstract

Mexican swillower (Tithonia diversifolia) had been chosen for metal binding studies as a prelude to finding economic use for it. Adsorption capacity, pH-profile and time-dependency studies were conducted using stem biomass of this plant. Results of the investigation showed that over 96% of the lead content of water were adsorbed even in the first 5 min of interaction. Optimum pH of adsorption was recorded as 5 for the metal while the kinetic study conducted showed that the adsorption process follows a pseudo-second order reaction. In order to llllderstand the effect of NaOH modification on the Tithonia diversifolia, batch modification studies were conducted. Results of this modification studies show enhanced metal binding activity. Presence of cations such as calcium and magnesium also interfered with the adsorption process. The adsorption isotherm was apparently Langmuir in nature.