Effect of NaOH on a natural adsorbent modification: Lead removal

This paper describes removal of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solutions using NaOH modified pine barks (Pinus nigra). Chemical modification and its enhancement effect on adsorption capacity for heavy metal treatment process have been investigated in this article. Changes of the surface properties after modification were examined by the FT-IR analysis. Maximum adsorption capacity was 49 mg/g at pH 8 and during about 180 min contact time (for 35 mg/L initial concentration with 2.5 g/L solid-toliquid ratio) These modification processes also decreased soluble organic compounds from pine barks leading to increase in chemical oxygen demand in water. Adsorption capacities of adsorbents increased quietly as a result of modification according increase of adsorbent surface activity.