The Ability of Metal Ions Removal From Waste Water Using Tree Leaves (Case Study: Eucalyptus Melanophlia, Eucalyptus Camaldulensis)

Industrial waste water usually has metal ions which can be harmful for human and other animals over the optimum level. In this study, removal of metal ions such as lead, copper and zinc from waste water using tree leaves were investigated aimingto introduce the cheap, effective and accessible adsorbents as compared to conventional adsorbents. For this aim 5 g of three leaves, namely Eucalyptus melanophlia and Eucalyptus camaldulensis from western Mazandaran province were selected, Then, 200 ml waste water containing metal ions such as lead, copper and zinc were prepared in specific concentrations and regulated at pH=5. The removal of metal ions from wastewater were tested in 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 minutes. The result indicated significant differences between species and various removal time in 99% statistical confidence level; however Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaf had highest removal rate for zinc and copper as 68/86 and 35/32 percent, respectively. Eucalyptus melanophlia leaf had highest removal rate for lead as 33/67 percent. Also, the optimum connection time for removal of zinc from species, was 30 minutes. Also, the optimum connection time for removal of copper and lead was 120 minutes for Eucalyptus camaldulensis and the optimum connection time for removal of copper and lead for Eucalyptus melanophlia was 30 and 90 minutes. In general, for removal of zinc from waste water, the Leaves of all species has approximately equal efficiency in removing of metal ions, compared to the laboratory scale adsorbent (active carbon), which makes it more suitable regarding economical and environmental aspects. Also to remove metal ions, lead and copper leaf species compared with experimental adsorbent (activated carbon) is less effective.