KINETICS AND THERMODYNAMICS STUDIES OF THE ADSORPTION OF Cu2+ USING TEA LEAVES AND TEA FIBRE (Camellia Sinensis) AS ADSORBENTS

Abstract

Pollution of waterways is increasing geometrically on daily basis and this is becoming a serious threat to human health, aquatic ecosystems and aquaculture, these pollutions mostly include heavy metals. These heavy metals pose danger due to their high ability of bio accumulation and bio magnifications along the aquatic food chain. Thus, the aim of this research work is to determine the efficiency of Tea Leaves and Tea Fibre as adsorbents in the removal of Cu2+ from aqueous solutions. From the analysis, the adsorbents show high efficiency above 97% in the removal Cu2+during the treatment of waste water. The high efficiency of the used adsorbents in the removal of Cu2+ from aqueous solution shows its distinctive property as good adsorbents; hence tea fibre and tea leaves may be used in the treatment of waste water containing Cu2+.