Optimization of Cadmium (CD2+) removal from aqueous solutions by novel biosorbent

In this research, dead leaves of a common ornamental plant, Dracaena draca known also as dragon tree was used as a biosorbent for the removal of Cadmium (Cd2+) from aqueous solutions using a full 2(3) factorial experimental design. Three factors were investigated at two different levels, metal ion concentration (X = 10 and 100ppm), hydrogen ion concentration (Ph = 2 and 7) and biomass dose (BD = 0.1 and 0.5g). Experiments were carried out in duplicates with 50ml of Cd2+ solutions at room temperature.When comparing observed values (experimental) with calculated values (model), they were set closely together that allowed suggesting a normal distribution where (R-2 = 0.9938). A characterization of the biosorbent was done by pH(zpc) and SEM-EDAX.Results also showed that the most significant effect for Cd2+ biosorption was ascribed to (X). The interaction effects of (pH BD) and (X pH) were found to have significant influence on Cd2+ removal efficiency. The highest Cd2+ removal percentage attained by 79.60% at X = 10ppm, pH = 7 and BD = 0.5g. The reusability of the biosorbent was tested in three desorption cycles and the regeneration efficiency was above 99.7%.