REMOVAL OF HEAVY METAL IONS FROM WASTE WATER USING GROUNDNUT SHELL AND CLAY SOIL AS NATURAL ADSORBENTS

Abstract

This study was on the use of groundnut shell and clay soil as natural adsorbents for the removal of heavy metals. Groundnut shell and clay soil were used as natural adsorbents for the removal of heavy metals in waste water effluent. The effluent was treated with activated charcoal from groundnut shell and clay soil. The heavy metal concentrations in the effluent, activated charcoal and clay soil after the treatment and purification were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The results were compared with WHO Drinking Water Standard. The results showed that the effluent before the treatment recorded Cu 0.05±0.01mg/L, Fe 2.20±1.19mg/L, Ni 0.27±0.03mg/L, Pb 0.02±0.00mg/L, Zn 5.37±0.23mg/L, Cd 0.05±0.02mg/L, and Cr 0.03±0.02mg/L. The treated effluent with activated charcoal from groundnut shell Cu 0.05±0.01mg/L, Fe 0.9±0.01mg/L, Ni 0.12±0.01mg/L, Pb 0.02±0.00mg/L, Zn 0.98±0.03mg/L, Cd 0.01±0.00 mg/L and Cr 0.01±0.00 mg/L, treated with clay soil Cu 0.34±0.03mg/L, Fe 1.13±0.09mg/L, Ni 0.44±0.26mg/L, Pb 0.00±0.00mg/L, Zn 3.48±0.18mg/L, Cd 0.05±0.02mg/L and Cr was not detected. The results showed that Cu and Cr were lower than WHO Drinking Water Standard while the other parameters were higher. The analyses also shows that the clay soil was a better adsorbent than the activated charcoal from a groundnut shell.