Influence of complexing agent on the removal of Pb(II) from aqueous solutions by modified mesoporous SiO2

In this study, SiO 2 -EDTA was prepared by silanization reaction between N-(trimethoxysilylpropyl) ethylenediamine triacetic acid, trisodium salt (EDTA-silane) and hydroxyl groups for enhanced removal of Pb(II), Pb(II)-Cit (the clathrate generated by Pb(II) and trisodium citrate dehydrate(Cit)) and Pb(II)-EDTA(20%) from aqueous solutions. SiO 2 -EDTA composites were characterized using SEM, TEM, EDX-mapping, FTIR, XPS and TGA analyses. The influence of solution pH, initial concentration, contact time and co-existing interferents were also studied. Results demonstrated that the composite successfully adsorbed 147.52, 107.65 and 124.18 mg g −1 of Pb(II), Pb(II)-Cit, and Pb(II)-EDTA (20%), respectively with the initial Pb(II) concentration of 100 mg L −1 . Kinetics study revealed that the adsorption rate was significantly high at the beginning and then reached to equilibrium within 1.0 h. Moreover, Pb(II) adsorption capacities were found to considerably affected by co-existing cations and not inhibited by natural organic matter (NOM). Characterization analyses confirmed that EDTA was successfully assembled on SiO 2 which had been used as a supporting matrix due to its huge specific surface area. Findings from this study suggested that the present composite could be considered as a promising adsorbent for large scale treatment of wastewater containing elevated Pb(II) concentration.