%0 Journal Article
%T Artocarpus altilis proving its worth in toxic metal removal from the environment
%A PO Okolo
%A EEI Irabor
%A TP Abugu
%J Bayero Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences
%D 2012
%I Bayero University
%X Nuts of breadfruit tree (Artocarpus altilis) obtained from Ugbowo Campus of University of Benin, Benin City, were dehusked and the husk thoroughly washed with distilled water, air-dried, pulverized and sieved to obtain the particulate sizes of 63 ¨ēm, 300 ¨ēm and 600 ¨ēm. These particulate sizes were oven-dried at 105oC to constant weight and preserved in a desiccator. The pulverized husk hereafter was referred to as adsorbent. Adsorbent (1.0g) of each particulate size was weighed into 100cm3 conical flask containing 50cm3 of 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, 8.0 and 10.0mgL-1 Pb2+ ions, respectively. These mixtures were shaken for 30 min after which they were filtered and the filtrate used for Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric (AAS) analysis. The same process was repeated using Cd2+ and Ni2+ ions, respectively. The effects of particulate size (surface area), temperature, initial metal ion (adsorbate) concentration and pH, on the extent of sorption, were studied; the infrared (IR) spectra of the adsorbent was also studied. Results indicate that sorption capacity is best at pH 4.0 for all metal ions (Cd2+, Pb2+ and Ni2+) studied. The effect of temperature revealed that maximum sorption occurs at 29oC compared to other temperatures of 60oC and 90oC. There was a general increase in adsorption of Cd2+, Pb2+, and Ni2+, ions as their initial concentrations increased. The adsorbent particulate size of 63 ¨ēm had the greatest adsorptive capacity compared to other sizes. IR analysis of the adsorbent suggested the presence of C = O, OH, N-H, N = O, C N, and COOH functional groups.
%U http://www.ajol.info/index.php/bajopas/article/view/85964