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Removal of Cu and Zn from Aqueous Solutions by Selected Tree Leaves with Phytoremediation Potential

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Abstract

In this study, some different selected plant leaves grown in Jordan such as Citrus limon (Rutaceae), Ceratonia siliqua L., Olea europaea (Oleaceae), Washingtonia filifera, and Myoporum (Myoporaceae) were examined for removal of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) ions from aqueous solutions. Cu and Zn were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. A pH S-2 acidometer was used for determining the acidity of leaves solution system. Our findings showed the plants leaves were relatively efficient for removal of Cu and Zn compared to activated carbon. Removal of a 5 mg/L aqueous metal solution of Cu and Zn was treated with 2.5 g oven-dried plant in a 50 mL deionized water. The removal of Cu and Zn was expressed in terms of a time function ranged between 0 and 192 hours of contact time. The uptake of Cu and Zn by plant leaves was arranged in the following order:

  1. (i)

    Cu: Activated carbon > Washingtonia filifera > Ceratonia siliqua L. > Olea europaea (Oleaceae) > Myoporum (Myoporaceae) > Citrus limon (Rutaceae)

  2. (ii)

    Zn: Activated carbon > Olea europaea (Oleaceae) > Citrus limon (Rutaceae) > Ceratonia siliqua L. > Washingtonia filifera > Myoporum (Myoporaceae)

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Acknowledgments

Authors are grateful to acknowledge the Deanship of Scientific Research at Jordan University of Science and Technology for providing facilities to perform this research.

Funding

This study was funded by the Deanship of Scientific Research at Jordan University of Science and Technology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan

    Adnan M. Massadeh

  2. Jordanian Royal Medical Services, Amman, Jordan

    Saif Addeen A. Massadeh

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  1. Adnan M. Massadeh
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  2. Saif Addeen A. Massadeh
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Correspondence to Adnan M. Massadeh.

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Massadeh, A.M., Massadeh, S.A.A. Removal of Cu and Zn from Aqueous Solutions by Selected Tree Leaves with Phytoremediation Potential. Water Air Soil Pollut 230, 264 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-019-4323-6

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