Cu2+ and Cr6+ recovery from Simulated Waste Water using Zinc oxide Loaded Potato Peel Nanocomposites

Abstract

In the present study, potato peel loaded nanoparticles were employed as adsorbent materials for the removal of Cu²⁺ and Cr⁶⁺ from aqueous solutions. Experimental observations indicated that different nanoparticles exhibited significant adsorption potential toward ampicillin. The maximum adsorption capacities were calculated as 128.6 mg/g for copper and 98.99 mg/g for chromium using ZnO@PP nanoparticles. Equilibrium analysis revealed that the adsorption behavior was best represented by the Freundlich isotherm model, suggesting multilayer adsorption on a heterogeneous surface. Kinetic investigations further indicated that the adsorption process is mainly controlled by a chemisorption mechanism. The removal of both metals is likely governed by several interactions, including surface complexation, electrostatic attraction, and hydrogen bonding between the adsorbent surface and antibiotic molecules. Thermodynamic evaluation demonstrated that the adsorption process is spontaneous and thermodynamically favorable. In addition, all combinations of nanoparticles showed satisfactory regeneration ability, maintaining considerable adsorption efficiency for up to three successive reuse cycles.