Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Qassim University, Buraidah, 51452, Saudi Arabia
2
Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Qassim University, Buraidah 51452, Saudi Arabia
Abstract
This study investigates the potential of Citrullus colocynthis biomass as a sustainable biosorbent for removing hazardous metals—Cr(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Cd(II)—from wastewater. Through systematic batch experiments, the adsorption performance was evaluated under varying pH (3–11), biosorbent dosage (10–250 mg), initial metal concentration (50–500 mg/L), and contact time (0–180 min). The biomass exhibited optimal removal efficiencies (>85%) at pH 5, with Cu(II) showing the highest affinity (93% removal). Langmuir isotherm models revealed maximum adsorption capacities of 209.64, 205.76, 149.03, 133.87, and 79.62 mg/g for Cr(III), Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II), and Cd(II), respectively, indicating monolayer adsorption on homogeneous sites. Pseudo-second-order kinetics (R² > 0.955) confirmed chemisorption as the rate-limiting step, with rapid equilibration (<60 min). SEM analyses identified a porous morphology for metal biosorbent. The biosorbent’s efficacy, coupled with its abundance in arid regions, positions Citrullus colocynthis as a cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative for wastewater treatment, particularly in resource-limited settings
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