Comparative Studies On Infrared Analysis of Some Waste Biomass in Heavy Metals Adsorption

Abstract

Felicia Uchechukwu Okwunodulu* and Stevens Azubuike Odoemelam

IR analysis of waste biomass used in the adsorption of toxic heavy metals from aqueous solution is critical for the evaluation
of functional groups supporting adsorption. In this work, IR analysis of unmodified and modified Telfairia occidentalis (fluted
pumpkin seed coat), Pentaclethra macrophylla (oil bean seed shell) and Cola nitida (kola nut pod husk) wastes biomass
was carried out concerning the the adsorption of Cd2+, Ni2+ and Pb2+ from aqueous solution. Experimental parameters like the initial metal ion concentration, particle size, biosorbent dose, pH, temperature and contact time were considered in the adsorption study. From the results, O-H group (due to alcohol), C-H from an alkane, C-O from alcohol, C=C from
alkenes and C-H from aromatic compounds were the functional groups observed in the spectra of unmodified Telfairia occidentalis, Pentaclethra macrophylla and Cola nitida showing that they were useful for the adsorption of Cd2+, Ni2+ and Pb2+ from aqueous solutions while O-H, C-H, C=O, C=C, C-C and C-O functional groups due to the presence of alcohol, alkane, acid, ester and aromatic compounds were respectfully observed in the modified samples and assigned for the adsorption of Cd2+, Ni2+ and Pb2+ from their aqueous solutions by modified Telfairia occidentalis, Pentaclethra macrophylla and Cola nitida. These functional groups appearing in both unmodified and modified Telfairia occidentalis, Pentaclethra macrophylla and Cola nitida were useful in rendering almost 100% removal efficiency for Cd2+, Ni2+ and Pb2+ . Based on the IR analysis, the functional groups in the modified Telfairia occidentalis, Pentaclethra macrophylla and Cola nitida are more than those found in the unmodified samples. However, better adsorptions were observed concerning the unmodified Telfairia occidentalis, Pentaclethra macrophylla and Cola nitida. Therefore, adsorption of Cd2+, Ni2+ and Pb2+ by unmodified and modified
Telfairia occidentalis, Pentaclethra macrophylla and Cola nitida wastes can be actively analysed by FTIR