Application of Plantain leaves as a bio-adsorbent for biosorption of U(VI) ions from wastewater

Uranium biosorption was investigated using the bio-adsorbent of Plantain leaves. First, the bio-adsorbent structure was characterized using BET, SEM, and FTIR. The effective parameters pH, initial uranium concentration, bio-adsorbent dose, and the temperature were investigated using a central composite design (CCD). Experimental data were analyzed using Design Expert 12.0.3.0 software. According to the obtained results, the pH value of 4, initial metal ion concentration of 10 mg L-1, the bio-adsorbent dose of 0.297 g, and the temperature of 25 degrees C were proven for maximum biosorption efficiency of U(VI) ions from aqueous solutions. The contact time was investigated to understand the type of kinetics of the reaction. The maximum biosorption efficiency was 90 min. The optimal biosorption efficiency was 92.69%. The Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second-order models were the best isotherms and kinetic models fitted with the results of the studied bio-adsorbent, respectively.