Removal of cadmium from electroplating industry wastewater using adsorbent from solid waste of agar industry

Adsorbent from solid waste of agar industry was investigated for cadmium adsorption from electroplating industry wastewater. Adsorbent used was adsorbent activated by phosporic acid. The adsorption parameters studied were pH (4, 5, 6, 7) and contact time (15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 minutes). Metal interaction with adsorbent was analyzed by FTIR and SEM analysis. The result showed that H₃ PO₄ activation provided good adsorption efficiency. Removal of cadmium increased when pH increased and reached the optimum condition at pH 7, at 120 minutes of contact time. FTIR analysis result showed there was change of peaks and presence of Cd-O bound after adsorbent was contacted with wastewater. SEM analysis showed the deposition of cadmium on adsorbent. The adsorbent prepared showed good potential for metal removal.