Removal of Ni(II) from Aqueous Solution by Novel Lycopersicon esculentum Peel and Brassica botrytis Leaves Adsorbents

The current work reports adsorption of Ni(II) using Brassica botrytis leaves (BBL), Brassica botrytis leaves-activated carbon (BBL-AC), Lycopersicon esculentum peel (LEP) and Lycopersicon esculentum peel-activated carbon (LEP-AC). The adsorption of Ni(II) was tested in batch experiments by varying different parameters such as pH, initial metal ion concentration, temperature, adsorbent dosage, and contact time. Thermodynamics and kinetics investigations were performed for Ni removal. The adsorption of Ni(II) was improved by incorporation of activated carbon to the parental Brassica botrytis leaves and Lycopersicon esculentum peel adsorbents. The studies revealed 40 min of equilibrium time for Ni(II) adsorption by different adsorbents. Adsorption of Ni was drastically declined by temperature with a minimum adsorption of 53% observed for BBL. Similarly, solution pH also played a vital role in Ni(II) adsorption by different adsorbents. A 95% adsorption of Ni was recorded in the case of LEP-AC at pH 7. The study concluded with the application of Lycopersicon esculentum peel and Brassica botrytis leaves as active adsorbents for Ni(II) adsorption from aqueous solution.