Abstract

Different physiochemical parameters such as color, odour, taste, pH, Electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, concentration of cations & anions were determined in the waste water samples that were collected in the vicinity of Kuala Lumpur city. Peel of Citrus reticulata (orange), Punica granatum (pomegranate), Daucus carota (carrot) and Momordica charantia (bitter gourd) were used to study biosorption potential of the dead biomass. Laboratory batch experiments indicated that C. reticulata, P. granatum, D. carota and M. charantia had an excellent ability to bind with these anions and cations. The role of cell structure, cell wall, micropores and macropores describe the potential of adsorbent. Batch laboratory time dependency, pH profile and concentration parameter were performed to determine the binding ability of biosorbents for cations and anions. Time dependency indicated that the first three samples showed maximum adsorption at 45 min and P. granatum at 60 min and at pH 12. More amount of biosorbent is used for that water sample, which contain maximum amount of cations and anions. These are recommended as good biosorbent due to their effectiveness.

Key words: Biosorption, physicochemical, heavy metals, plant materials.