Removal efficiency of copper (II) from aqueous solutions using Iraqi palm tree leaves

Abstract

Iraqi palm tree leaves were used as biomass for removal of Cu+2 from aqueous solutions. Different parameters such as pH, biomass particle size, biomass weight and shaking time were studied in several batch wise experiments to obtain the optimal conditions for copper removal. Complete copper recovery (100%) was obtained and the maximum removal capacity of palm leaves ash (burned in 300 Co ) was 25 mg/g. at pH=5. Comparisons of the results obtained by this method with comparable results in the literature were carried out proved the highly efficiency of this inexpensive biomass type in the decontamination of water contaminated with copper (which considered as toxic heavy metals) from industrial waste water before released to the river which represents the main source of drinking water