Pb(II) and Cu(II) adsorption performance using magnetic modified watermelon rind as a low-cost adsorbent

Polluted water that contains heavy metals, especially lead [Pb(II)] and copper [Cu(II)] could cause many health issues which could be controlled by adsorption. Magnetically modified watermelon rind (MMWMR) were successfully made to adsorb Pb(II) and Cu(II) in synthetic wastewater. Watermelon rind is modified with Fe2O3 at several variation of ratios [1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, and 1:5 (w/w)] and conducted in several variation of dosage [0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2, 2.5 grams] and temperature [30°C, 40°C, 50°C, and 60°C]. Adsorbents are characterized by FTIR and AAS. The analysis results showed that modifying watermelon rind with magnetic particles has a very good potential for the development of low-cost bio sorbent. MMWMR has a potential to adsorb Pb(II) and Cu(II) well with in modifier ratio 5:1 at 60°C, the adsorption removal are 98% and 96%, respectively.