Use of wheat straw for effective binding of metal ions via a novel modification

An innovative biacetyl-modified Triticum aestivum (BMTA) was prepared and its biosorption efficiency was investigated for the removal of Pb(II) and Cr(III) ions from synthesized single and binary metal solutions. The characterization using infrared spectrum, surface area determination and potentiometric titrations indicated an increased acid content of the biomass, indicating BMTA as a potential choice for the binding of metal ions at a relatively low pH. The isoelectric point was found to be at pH 4.5. Various biosorption parameters were optimized. Langmuir model best fitted the experimental equilibrium data with q (max) 27.39mg/g for Pb(II) ions and 24.69mg/g for Cr(III) ions in single metal system and 24.21mg/g for Pb(II) and 12.97mg/g for Cr(III) ions in binary system, respectively. The kinetics was described by pseudo-second-order model both in single and binary metal system. The studies indicated relatively selective biosorption of Pb(II) ions by BMTA compared to other metal ions.