As (V) biosorption in an aqueous solution using chemically treated lemon (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) residues

The use of biosorbents to remove metals and metalloids from contaminated water systems has gained great usage in various parts of the world. The objective of the current study was to test lemon peels as biosorbents for As (V). Lemon peels were chemically characterized and arsenic contact experiments were performed to determine the adsorption capacity of the peels using different empirical models. The model that fit the experimental data was the Lagergren empirical model with a correlation coefficient of R= 0.8841. The results show that lemon peels were able to retain 474.8 μg of As (V)/g of biosorbent. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Lemon agro-industrial waste can be useful in the removal of heavy metals, such as arsenic, from aqueous media.