The utilization of date palm waste as an efficient adsorbent for the elimination of heavy metals from polluted water

Abstract This study focuses on the removal of heavy metal ions, such as cadmium (Cd2+), lead (Pb2+), Chromium (Cr6+), and Zinc (Zn2+) from water. Metals, which are often present in water, can have various origins i.e. industrial emissions, mining, melting, corrosion, municipal and industrial waste and agrochemicals. These metals have the potential to cause adverse effects on human health. The study employed activated carbon derived from date palm waste as a means of removing heavy metals. The activated nanoparticles were characterized using various analytical techniques, including SEM, ICP, XRD, BET, Raman, and FTIR analysis. Batch studies were conducted to optimize the metal ion adsorption onto the activated carbon of date palm waste. The adsorption process was evaluated using isotherm models and reaction kinetics under various conditions, including contact time, dosage, pH, and initial concentration. The findings of this study revealed that the prepared activated carbon from date palm waste effectively removed up to 85% of Cr6+, Pb2+, Cd2+, and Zn2+ ions from water. This study highlights the potential of using agricultural waste, such as date palm waste, for the production of effective adsorbents for heavy metal removal.