Pb (II) Remediation from Aqueous Environment Using Chitosan-Activated Carbon-Polyvinyl Alcohol Composite Beads

Lead (Pb) is one of the greatly toxic heavy metals that can enter into the biological system through food chain and induce serious health impairments. Lead ion (Pb (II)) can be released in the environment through natural and anthropogenic sources. Among different types of remediation techniques, adsorption is one of the most well-accepted techniques due to its economic feasibility and versatility as well. Herein, the removal of Pb (II) was examined using chitosan-activated carbon-polyvinyl alcohol (CS-AC-PVA) composite beads. Results demonstrated that CS-AC-PVA composite beads have more potential to adsorb Pb (II) from the aqueous solution than lone chitosan (CS), activated carbon (AC), and chitosan-activated carbon composite beads. Moreover, CS-AC-PVA composite beads showed 44% more adsorbent capacity than CA-AC beads. The adsorption capacity of CS-AC-PVA composite beads for Pb (II) showed highest adsorption at 25 °C which is increased with increasing concentrations and decrease with increasing temperature. The equilibrium data is well described by Freundlich isotherm labeling chemical interaction via multiple adsorption sites. Thus, this hybrid CS-AC-PVA composite bead is proven as potential adsorbent for environmental remediation for Pb (II) from the aqueous solution.