Uptake of cadmium from water by beech leaves

Abstract

Abstract Uptake of cadmium from aqueous solutions by beech leaves has been studied. The effect of several factors on both rate and amount of this uptake has been studied. These factors include concentration of leaves, concentration of cadmium, pH, competing ions and drying leaves. The pattern of the curves showing the loss of cadmium from solution has been explained. Applicability of the Freündlich adsorption isotherm on the present results has been examined and the parameters of this isotherm have been calculated. The order of reaction between cadmium ions and beech leaves has been determined and a mechanism for this reaction has been suggested. Key words: CadmiumUptakeWaterBeech leavesKineticspHCompeting ionsAdsorption isotherm