• Resources Recycling
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.23-31
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• 2004

Basic studies have been conducted regarding the attempt of the utilization of waste Undaria pinnatifida as an adsorbent for the adsorption treatment of lead-containing wastewater. Undaria pinnatifida was found to be chiefly composed of hyo-carbonaceous compounds and have a fairly high specific surface area, which suggesting the possibility of its application as a Potential adsorbent. The electrokinetic Potential of Undaria pinnatifida particles was observed to be negatively highest at around pH 8 and the fact that its electrokinetic potentials are negative at the whole pH range supported it might be an efficient adsorbent especially for cationic adsorbates. Under the experimental conditions, $Pb^{2+}$ was found to mostly adsorb onto Undaria pinnatifida within a few minutes and reach the equilibrium in adsorption within ca. 30 minutes. The adsorption of $Pb^{2+}$ was exothermic and explained well by e Freundlich model. Acidic pretreatment of Undaria pinnatifida enhanced its adsorption capacity for $Pb^{2+}$ , however, the reverse was observed for alkaline pretreatment. The formation of organometallic complex between $Pb^{2+}$ and some functional groups on the surface of Undaria pinnatifida was considered to be one of the main drives for adsorption. Finally the adsorbability of$ Pb^{2+}$ was examined to be rather affected by several solution features such as the coexistence of other adsorbate, the variation of ionic strength, and the concentration of complexing agent.