Biosorption studies on shelled Moringa oleifera Lamarck seed powder: Removal and recovery of arsenic from aqueous system

The present study explores the unexploited sorption property of the shelled Moringa oleifera seeds (SMOS) for decontamination of arsenic from water bodies. Sorption studies (batch experiments) result into the standardization of optimum conditions for removal of 60.21% As(III) and 85.60% As(V) as follows: biomass dosage (2.0 g), metal concentration (25 mg/L), contact time (60 min) and volume of the test solution (200 ml) at pH 7.5 and 2.5, respectively. The adsorption data are fitted with Langmuir isotherm. Surface area has been measured using BET surface area analyzer. Morphological changes observed in scanning electron micrograph of native and treated SMOS indicates the existence of biosorption process. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry of exhausted seed biomass highlights protein/amino acid–arsenic interactions responsible for sorption phenomenon. Regeneration has also been attempted for several cycles with a view to restore the sorbent to its original state. The sorption capacity of the regenerated biomass remained almost constant after three cycles of sorption process, suggesting that the lifetime cycle was sufficient for continuous application. The findings open up new avenues in the decontamination of arsenic using SMOS from arsenic contaminated water, as domestic and environment-friendly safe technology.