Adsorption of Heavy Metal Ions from Aqueous Solution by Chitosan

In this work adsorption of heavy metal ions (Cu2+, Pb2+, Zn2+ and Ni2+) from aqueous solution by chitosan was investigated in a batch reactor. Three commercially different viscosity chitosans were used as adsrobents. pH value, adsorption temperature, time and initial concentration had affected adsorption efficiency of metal ions. The results showed that low viscosity chitosan has the highest adsorption capacity among the low, middle and high viscosity chitosans. The amounts of adsorbed metal ions decreased with increased adsorption temperature and decreased pH value. The highest adsorbed amount at the equilibrium time (7.5mg/g) of Cu2+ was observed among Cu2+, Pb2+, Zn2+ and Ni2+.