Copper Ion Adsorption in Waste Water Using Silver Metal Nanocomposite from Avocado Pear Seed

Abstract

This study investigates the adsorption potential of silver nanocomposite synthesized from avocado pear seed for the removal of copper (II) ions from aqueous solutions. The agro waste underwent treatment processes such as chemical, physical and hydrothermal synthesis giving rise to a nanocomposite with an enhanced surface area, structure and functional groups. In the investigation of the adsorption capacity of copper (II) ions, numerous factors were examined, including pH, concentration, dose, temperature, and contact time. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) was used to investigate the equilibrium kinetics and thermodynamics for the adsorption. The ability of copper ion uptake by the nanocomposite was examined under the characterization study of FTIR, SEM, and XRD. Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models were employed to the experimental data and the goodness of their fit for adsorption was compared. It was determined that the Langmuir adsorption model provided a better fit compared to the Freundlich model.