Utilization of Modified Shea Butter Husk as an Adsorbent for the Removal of Heavy Metals in Industrial Effluents

Abstract

Continuous adsorption of Nickel ions was studied in a glass column using modified shea butter husk. Characterisation of the husk revealed the presence of functional groups; –COOH, -OH and NH2. The Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated the pores and cavities of the husk, as well as the accumulated Ni (II) ions after sorption. The Brunaueur Emmet Teller (BET) test revealed the reduction in the surface area and pore volume from 5.493 m2/g and 2.534 x 10-3 cc/g to 2.073 m2/g and 1.067 x 10-3 cc/g respectively. The column parameters calculated showed the effectiveness of the column at flow rate of 0.5 ml/min, bed heights of 12 cm and concentrations of 250 mg/L. The percentage removal of the nickel ions at the optimum conditions was approximately 70% with about 77 mg of Ni (II) ions adsorbed out of a total of 112.5 mg sent into the column at an adsorption capacity of 4.018 mg/ wet bead.