Abstract

This study describes adsorption effectiveness of Acacia nilotica pod powder in removing Cu²⁺ ions in order to consider its application in wastewater purification. The batch method has been employed, using metal concentrations in solution and the percentage adsorption was determined for the adsorption system as a function of adsorbate concentration. Effects of the temperature of the Cu²⁺ ion solution, pH, contact time, metal concentration, and adsorbent loading weight on the removal process were also investigated. Langmuir, Freundlich isotherms were applied to experimental data and the goodness of their fit for adsorption was compared. Thermodynamic parameters, like enthalpy () and the entropy () were also calculated. A. nilotica pod powder proves to be a good adsorbent for Cu²⁺ ion removal from wastewater.

Key words: Adsorption, low cost material, adsorbent, copper ions removal.