Removal of Heavy Metals from Wastewater by Novel Adsorbent based on Chitosan and Lignin

Highly porous organic polymer based on chitosan and lignin have been prepared and characterized using locally available shrimp shells and wood. The adsorption of Cd, Co, Pb and Zn by prepared polymer was studied. Polymer was characterized using FTIR, UV GC-Mass, X-ray spectra DSC and TG. All characterization techniques confirm the existence of chitosan and lignin. Adsorption of Cd, Co, Pb and Zn ions by prepared polymer was investigated under different conditions. The effect of pH, Dose of polymer and agitation time were studied. The removal efficiency under different conditions was evaluated using atomic absorption spectroscopy. This study suggests that modification of the native polymer would be required to improve uptake and make in an industry workable process.