Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Article Title: Assessment of the Level of Heavy Metals from Industrial Effluent and Simulated Solution: Remediation Using Almond Seed Shell as Adsorbent in Calabar Metropolis
by Charles Ekanem, Peter Neji, Daniel Ottah and Grace Iniama

Abstract:
Almond seed shells are effective at reducing toxic metal concentrations due to their high adsorption capacity, natural abundance, and chemical composition, which include cellulose and lignin with binding sites for metal ions. This study focuses on optimizing conditions to enhance the removal efficiency of heavy metals (Fe2+, Cu2+, Mn2+, and Zn2+) from waste water and aqueous solution . Factors such as pH, temperature, and contact time were explored to understand their impact on the adsorption. At 30 �C, it was observed that the adsorption rate of almond seed shell (AMS) increases with higher initial metal ion concentrations. The adsorption capacity of AMS for various metals from aqueous solutions, considering variables such as concentration, pH, temperature, and adsorpion time were investigated. AMS proved to be cost-effective adsorbent for removing low concentrations of heavy metals from aqueous solutions. The adsorpion capcity decreased over time as more adsorbate covered the adsorbent surface, with the order of adsorpion being Mn2+, Cu2+ > Pb2+, Fe2+ > Zn2+. The effect of temperature, (ranging from 30 to 60 �C) on metal ion removal was also examined. It was observed that higher temperatures enhance the adsorption efficiency. Obtained Activation energy (Ea) values of 44.56 kJ/mol and 64.27 kJ/mol, indicate slower adsorption rates for Fe and Zn. It can be said that almond seed shells are a cost-effective, accessible natural material suitable for adsorbing Fe2+, Cu2+, Pb2+, Mn2+, from aqueous solutions. The Freundlich adsorption model fit the experimental data well, with greater than 1. The adsorption kinetics follow a pseudo-second-order model, suggesting that chemical adsorption is the rate-determining step

Keywords: Adsorption, Heavy Metals, Environmental Contaminants, Almond Seed Shell, Pollutant

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