Surface engineered functional biomaterials for hazardous pollutants removal from aqueous environment

The issue of water contamination by heavy metal ions as highly persistent pollutants with harmful influence primarily on biological systems, even in trace levels, has become a great environmental concern globally. Therefore, there is a need for the use of highly sensitive techniques or preconcentration methods for the removal of heavy metal ions at trace levels. Thus, this research investigates a novel approach by examining the possibility of using pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel layered material for the simultaneous preconcentration of seven heavy metal ions; Cd(II), Co(II), Cr(III), Cu(II), Mn(II), Ni(II) and Pb(II) from aqueous solution and three river water samples. The quantification of the heavy metals was performed by the means of FAAS technique. The characterization of biomaterial was performed by SEM/EDS, FTIR analysis and pHpzc determination before and after the remediation process. The reusability study as well as the influence of interfering ions (Ca, K, Mg, Na and Zn) were evaluated. The conditions of preconcentration by the column method included the optimization of solution pH (5), flow rate (1.5 mL/min), a dose of biosorbent (200 mg), type of the eluent (1 mol/L HNO3), sample volume (100 mL) and sorbent fraction (<0.25 mm). The biosorbent capacity ranged from 4.45 to 57.70 μmol/g for the investigated heavy metals. The practical relevance of this study is further extended by novel data regarding adsorbent cost analysis (17.49 $/mol). The Punica granatum sorbent represents a highly effective and economical biosorbent for the preconcentration of heavy metal ions for possible application in industrial sectors. © 2023 The Authors