Investigation on the adsorption mechanism of copper(II)ions onto a biosorbent based on lemon balm

摘要

In the present work an attempt is made to elucidate the mechanism of Cu(II)adsorption on a plant material based on lemon balm.Batch experiments were carried out in order to study the effects of acidity,contact time and initial metal concentration on Cu(II)removal.Langmuir,Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm models were used to explain equilibrium experimental data and the maximum adsorption capacity was calculated.The mechanism of retention of copper ions on the biosorbent surface was studied by means of SEM,FTIR and XPS methods,as well as low-temperature nitrogen adsorption.Desorption experiments were also performed.It was proved that the investigated plant material could be used for the removal of copper ions from contaminated waters.