Biosorption of zinc from aqueous solution using leaves of Corchorus olitorius as a low-cost biosorbent

Zinc (Zn) is one of the hazardous metal pollutants commonly found in industrial effluents and poses severe environmental and human health impacts. The present study chosen the leaves of Corchorus olitorius as a potential biosorbent among four different types of leaves employed for removing Zn from aqueous solution. The process parameters-contact time, pH, biosorbent dose, and initial Zn concentration were optimized for maximum removal of Zn using standard protocols. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy study was performed to identify the functional groups involved in Zn biosorption mechanism. The biosorption equilibrium was achieved at 120 min of contact time. The biosorption of Zn was highest at pH 6 and biosorbent dose of 2 g/L. The sorption equilibrium data were well fitted with the Freundlich isotherm model (R²  = 0.995). Highest adsorption capacity of C. olitorius leaves was 11.63 mg/g. It is concluded that the leaves of C. olitorius could be used as a potentially low-cost novel biosorbent to remove Zn from contaminated water. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Optimum Zn sorption process parameters of Corchorus olitorius leaf biosorbent were determined. Zn sorption kinetic data of C. olitorius leaf were well fitted by Freundlich isotherm model. C. olitorius leaf biosorbent showed excellent Zn sorption capacity (11.63 mg/g) from water. Leaves of C. olitorius could be used as a potentially low-cost novel biosorbent.