Characterization and Utilization of Citric Acid Modified Cow Hoof for Adsorption of Cadmium and Copper from Wastewater

Aims: To investigate the ability of citric acid modified cow hoof (CCH) to remove Cd (II) and Cu (II)) from simulated wastewater.

Place and Duration of Study: Chemistry Laboratory of Afe Babalola University, Ado – Ekiti, Nigeria.

Methodology: The characterization of the citric acid modified cow hoof was carried out through FTIR, SEM and EDX analyses. Batch studies were also conducted to investigate the effect of operation parameters on the adsorption of the metals. Kinetic parameters were analysed using the non-linear forms of pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order and Elovich kinetic models. Non-linear regression analysis of the equilibrium data were carried out using Langmuir, Freundlich, Redich-Peterson, Dubinin Raduskevich and sips models.

Results: The results obtained showed that, the adsorption of the two metals was pH, solute concentration, time and temperature dependent. The kinetic modelling followed pseudo-second-order kinetic model for both metals while the equilibrium adsorption data were best described by Redlich-Peterson and Sips isotherm models for Cd (II) and Cu (II) respectively. Thermodynamic parameters obtained showed that the adsorption of both metals was spontaneous and endothermic in nature.

Conclusion: Removal of cadmium and copper ions from simulated wastewater using citric acid modified cow hooves (a low-cost adsorbent) is feasible.