Adsorption of Pb2+, Co2+, and Cd2+ from Aqueous Solution Using Nitric Acid Modified Kola Nut Husk Adsorbent

The potential of nitric acid modified kola nut pod adsorbent (MKNP) in removing selected heavy metals such as lead (Pb2+), cobalt (Co2+), and cadmium (Cd2+) ions from aqueous solution was investigated. FTIR spectra before after the adsorption indicates presence functional groups hydroxyl carboxylic which are responsible for its surface chemistry. percentage removal largely depends on pH, contact time temperature. results showed that metal at optimum temperature were: (Pb2+: 89.58, 97.04, 97.11%); (Co2+: 77.53, 75.17, 65.42%), (Cd2+: 96.99, 97.06, 96.94%) respectively. thermodynamic studies revealed enthalpy change negative across initial ion concentrations, indicating process exothermic. Gibb’s free energy (∆G) values all temperatures (298, 313, 328, 343 358K) were also negative, spontaneous feasible. Kinetics parameters obtained pseudo-second order obeyed throughout process. In conclusion, favorability process, MKNP would be an efficient, eco-friendly cheap toxic wastewater industrial effluents.