Lead removal from aqueous solution using ostrich feathers modified by hydrogen peroxide

Introduction: Lead is the major toxicant found in industrial effluent that can adversely affect environment and human health. Conventional methods for the removal of this metal from waste waters are often cost prohibitive. This study was conducted to investigate the effect ostrich feathers modified by hydrogen peroxide on lead removal from waste water. Methods: In this descriptive and practical study, ostrich feathers were used for removal of lead from model solutions. Ostrich feathers were modified with hydrogen peroxide (30% w/v) and distilled water for 18 hr. In this study, effect of pH (2-9), temperature (20-400C), contact time (0.5-12 hr), sorbent dosage (0.3-1 gr) and initial concentration (1-15 mg/l) were investigation in batch system. All the experiments were conducted in triplicate. Experimental results were fitted to Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models and Excel software was used for data analysis. Results: The results show that the maximum lead adsorption by modified feathers reached within pH 5, contact time 8 hr, feather dosage 0.7 g and temperature 30◦C for concentration range of 1-15 mg/L. Adsorption equilibrium data fit most satisfactorily with the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms. Conclusion: According to the results, because of its inexpensive and availability, ostrich feathers can be used as a suitable method to reduce the level of Lead from the aqueous solutions in the contaminated places throughout the country