Biosorption of Nickel in Aqueous Solution Using Tamarind Shell and Carrot Peel

Abstract

Heavy metals are being discharged into the water bodies as a result of the various industrial activities. For some heavy metals,
toxic levels can be just above the background concentrations naturally found in nature. Therefore, it is important for us to inform
ourselves about the heavy metals and to take protective measures against excessive exposures. There is a need to remove these
particles to prevent the accumulation of these particles in the ecosystems, thereby causing dietary problems. In this comparative
study, we are measuring the ability of tamarind shell and carrot peel to remove the Nickel particles in water by the process of
adsorption. The tamarind shell and the carrot peel were collected, dried, powdered and sieved. The sieved material was then
washed with acid, alkali and distilled water. This was made to react with the solution containing Nickel and the amount of
reduction of Ni was measured in the intervals of 2 hours till it reaches equilibrium. The physical parameters like Temperature,
pH, Initial concentration, Biomass loading were varied. The experiments were designed using Minitab v.16 software. In Our
study, the highest amount of removal of Nickel was observed for Tamarind shell treated with HCl, carrot peel treated with NaOH
and carrot peel treated with distilled water. For Tamarind shell bisosorbent treated with HCl, the highest removal of Nickel is
obtained at pH 4, with initial concentration 125ppm and biomass loading 7.75g/100 ml at 40⁰ C. For carrot peel biosorbent
treated with NaOH had the highest Nickel removal rate was obtained at pH 4, with initial concentration 162.5ppm and biomass
loading 7.75g/100ml at 35⁰C.