REMOVAL OF Ni (II) AND Pb (II) FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION BY ADSORPTION ONTO Vitex simplicifolia NUT ACTIVATED CARBON

Adsorption of Pb (II) and Ni (II) ions from aqueous solutions was studied in a batch system by using activated carbon prepared from Vitex simplicifolia. The optimum conditions of absorption were determined by investigating the initial metal ion concentration, contact time and absorbent dose. The extent of metal ion removed increased with increasing contact time, initial metal ion concentration and absorbent dose. The Freundlich isotherm model provided the best fit to the adsorption equilibrium data. The kinetic experimental data properly correlated with the second-order kinetic model which means that chemical interaction between adsorbent sites and aqueous metal ions could be the sole rate determining step. Results clearly show that activated carbon prepared from Vitex simplicifolia is an effective adsorbent for the removal of Pb (II) and Ni (II) from aqueous solutions.