Synthesis, characterization and application of cellulose nitrilotriacetic acid (CNTAA) resin for removal of heavy metal ions from industrial effluent

A new cellulose based resin containing nitrilotriacetic acid group was synthesized. The nitrilotriacetic acid group has been incorporated onto cellulose by a modified Porath's method of functionalisation of polysaccharides. Cellulose nitrilotriacetic acid (CNTAA) resin can selectively separate heavy metal ions from industrial effluent. The CNTAA resin was characterized by FTIR, thermogravimetric analysis. The distribution coefficient (K-d) of metal ions at different pH was studied using batch equilibration method. The effects of pH, agitation speed, treatment time, flow rate, contact time, temperature and adsorbent dose, on the removal of metal ions from industrial effluent were investigated. The resin is amenable for continuous process and can be regenerated several times. The adsorption of different metal ions on CNTAA resin follows the order : Fe-II > Zn-II > Cu-II > Cd-II > Pb-II.