Viveka NandSaumya2020-02-102020-02-102019-06http://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810142779The study was undertaken to examine the biosorptive efficiency of Citrus limetta peels, collected from Bajpur, Udham Singh Nagar. Batch mode experiments were conducted to study the effects of contact time, pH and temperature on biosorption of Cadmium (II) and Arsenic (III) on Citrus limetta peels. Cadmium (II) and Arsenic (III) are major concern in the present study because the excessive intake of these metals leads to several health issues and are also carcinogenic. The maximum percentage removal (% removal) and biosorption capacity (Qe value) for Cd (II) was recorded at contact timing of 120 min, acidic condition (pH 4.9) and hot temperature (45±5°C) which was 73.80%. In case of As (III), maximum percentage removal was 82.1% observed at contact time of 120 min, neutral condition (pH 7.0) and hot temperature (45±5°C). In case of both Cd (II) and As (III), contact time of 120 min and hot temperature was favourable for metal removal. Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin adsorption isotherm models were used to explain the adsorption phenomena of both the Cd (II) and As (III) metals removal. Equilibrium data agreed well for the biosorption of Cd (II) and As (III). The experimental data fitted very well with the Pseudo-second order kinetics model in both the cases. The FT-IR spectra of unloaded plant biomass and metal loaded biomass were obtained to understand the nature of possible interactions between the metal ions and functional groups of biosorbents. The FT-IR analysis revealed that the main functional groups involved in biosorption were carbonyl, amino, alcoholic, carboxyl and phenol. Regeneration of the biosorbent was carried out and it was observed that the biosorption capacity of the biosorbent decreases with consecutive cycles. The biosorption capacity was highest in the first cycle while least in the fourth regeneration cycle. Thus, it can be concluded that Citrus limetta peels can be used as cost-effective and environment-friendly alternative over commercial methods of treatment for the removal of heavy metals from contaminated water.ennullThesis