Diatomite-Magnetite-Activated Carbon Composite: Hybrid sorption for Lead(II) Ions from Water
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69660/jmpt.v2i2.117Abstract
Lead (Pb (II)) contamination in aquatic systems remains a critical environmental challenge, necessitating the development of sustainable, high-efficiency adsorbents. In this study, we reported a composite material prepared from diatomite treated with sulfuric acid, teff straw-based activated carbon (TSAC), and magnetite (Fe₃O₄) to improve the removal of Pb (II) ions from aqueous solution. The adsorbent was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Brunauer, Emmett and Teller, scanning electron microscope, and X-ray diffraction. At the optimum conditions (pH 7, an adsorbent dosage of 0.04 g/100 mL, an initial Pb(II) concentration of 10 mg/L, and an adsorption time of 45 min), a removal efficiency of 99.64% was achieved. The adsorption data fit best with the Sips and Freundlich isotherm models, indicating that the process involves multilayer adsorption and heterogeneous surface interactions. The composite adsorbent exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity of 144.034 mg/g, while the kinetic data were best described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the adsorption of Pb(II) onto DE/Fe₃O₄/TSAC is spontaneous and endothermic. The adsorbent retained its adsorption efficiency over five regeneration cycles, demonstrating strong stability and reusability. These results establish DE/Fe₃O₄/TSAC as an efficient and sustainable material for Pb(II) ions removal, providing a promising solution for mitigating lead contamination in water systems.
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