REMOVAL OF TOXIC MERCURY AND OTHER HEAVY METALS IN CONTAMINATED WATER BY TUBANG BAKOD (JATROPHA CURCAS L.) LATEX

There are several types of biomass that have been known to reduce metals concentrations from aqueous media. This study focused on the effect of Jatropha curcas L. latex as a potential biosorbent of heavy metals (Cadmium, Lead and Mercury) in contaminated water. The selection was based on the fact that these metals have known detrimental effect to health once the concentration exceeds the maximum allowable limit. The analysis of heavy metals concentrations were conducted using standard laboratory procedures using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Results of the study revealed that in the 24 hours post treatment, noticeable increase in pH, discoloration and precipitation were recorded slightly increased at electrical conductivity at 379 mu S/cm. While there were no recorded decrease on the level Cadmium and Lead the concentration of Mercury has substantially decreased from 2.72 mu g/mL to 0.07 mu g/mL. The overall findings clearly indicate the potential of Jatropha curcas L. latex to adsorb and precipitate the heavy metal Mercury from aqueous media. This may be due to the presence of phytochemical tannins. The metal adsorbent capacity of the plant extract was found at 600 mu g/ml of dissolved Mercury.