Removal of lead(II) ions by an adsorption process with the use of an advanced SiO₂/lignin biosorbent

We demonstrate here that lignin can be successfully combined with silica to create a multifunctional material with considerable sorption capabilities. Experiments were carried out in which a silica/lignin hybrid was used for the removal of lead(II) ions from water solutions. Adsorption kinetics were also determined and preliminary regeneration tests were performed. The effectiveness of the adsorption process depends on the following parameters: contact time of adsorbent and adsorbate (equilibrium times: 5 min for concentration 25 mg/L, 10 min for 50 and 75 mg/L, 60 min for 100 mg/L), pH (optimal pH = 5) and adsorbent mass. The kinetics of the adsorption of lead(II) ions on the SiO₂/lignin biosorbent are best described by a pseudo-second-order model. Adsorption isotherms of lead(II) ions were also determined. The experimental data were found to be in agreement with the Langmuir model, and the maximal sorption capacity of the adsorbent with respect to lead(II) was 89.02 mg/g.