Cadmium removal from aqueous solution by green synthesis zero valent silver nanoparticles with Benjamina leaves extract

Abstract

Cadmium (II) is an important element used in various industries, however, it is a poisonous element that affects the health of plants, animals and humans alike. It’s very important to remove this element from contaminated waters. This study aims at synthesizing zero valent silver nanoparticles by environmentally ecofriendly method without using hazardous compounds (via green approach). In this work, silver nanoparticles were prepared using hot water for the Ficus tree (Ficus Benjamina) leaf extract (FBLE). The size of crystalline for AgNPs was measured by UV–vis spectroscopy and flourier transform infrared (FTIR). The properties of nano-silver particles (AgNPs) have been studied using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The capability of nanoparticles to remove Cd2+ from contaminated solution was then studied. Parameter like adsorbent dose, heavy metal concentration, pH, agitation speed and contact time were studied. Cadmium removal increased when the dosage of biosorbent increases, pH increased from 1 to 6, contact time from 5 to 40 and initial concentration of Cd decrease. Isotherm adsorption was also described by the Freundleich model with a constant correlation (R2) higher than 0.973.