Biosorption of Metal Ions from Aqueous Solution by Immobilized Moringa oleifera Bark

This study investigated the effectiveness of immobilized Moringa oleifera bark (IMOB) for the removal of heavy metal ions from waste water. The concentration of residual metal ion concentration was determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The immobilization of Moringa oliefera (M. oleifera) bark was achieved by entrapping it within a polymeric matrix of calcium alginate. The Sorption capacity of 95.43%, 95.51%, 93.67%, was recorded for Zn2+, Cd2+ and Fe2+ respectively. An increase in sorption capacity was recorded as the pH, contact time and initial metal ion concentration increases, while there was a decrease in sorption capacity as the ionic strength increases. The result of this study present M. oliefera bark as a potential biosorbent for the removal of these heavy metal ions from waste water.