Removal of Copper (II) from Aqueous Solution by Agricultural By-Products-Sawdust

The present work deals with the use of chemically activated sawdust as an adsorbent for the retention of copper (II) ions from synthetisized aqueous solutions. Experimental measurements were carried out batchwise in order to investigate the effects of various parameters such as contact time, pH of the solution, initial concentration of the metallic ion and adsorbent dose. The Langmuir and Freundlich models were tested in order to determine the adsorption isotherms and it was found that the experimental data fitted reasonably well Langmuir adsorption isotherm, indicating mono layer coverage by the copper (II) ions. A kinetic study was also included testing pseudo-first and second order kinetics as well as the intraparticle diffusion model, for a good understanding of the reaction mechanism. Finally the use of sawdust presents an interesting option for both tertiary wastewater treatment (as a possible non conventional sorbent for the removal of copper), and a recycled waste as a fertilizer and compost, for instance.