Characterization of novel Zea mays based biomaterial designed for toxic metals biosorption

Structural modifications onto Zea mays Cob powder, ZMCP lead to the formation of novel biomaterial with increased sorption efficiency and environmental stability for the abatement of Pb (II), Cd (II), Ni (II) and Cr (III) in single as well as multi-metal ion solutions. Synthetic strategy for strengthening the functional groups, COO− responsible for binding of metal species has been applied using acetylation, succination and graft co-polymerization processes. The resultant novel biomaterial exhibits enhancement in sorption efficiency from 2 to 15% and stability in terms of regeneration cycles from 3 to 5, evidence to support biomaterial designed has been provided on the basis of SEM, FTIR and TGA. The findings open up new avenues in the modern Green Technology of water treatment using biosorbent-possessing potential for commercialization.