Removal of nitrites from waste waters using adsorbents derived from <em>Phyllanthus Neruri </em>plant

Abstract

The bio-sorbents prepared from leaves, stems and leaves ashes of <em>Phyllanthus Neruri</em> plants have been investigated for their adsorption abilities towards nitrites from polluted waters adopting batch methods of extractions. Physicochemical parameters such as <em>p</em>H, sorbent dosage, initial nitrite concentration and time of agitation have been optimized for the maximum extraction of nitrites. The effect of commonly found co-ions on the % of extraction of nitrite has been investigated. Freudlich and Langmuir isotherms are plotted and correlation coefficient (R²) value confirmed that the adsorption follows the Langmuir isotherm indicating formation of monolayer on the surface of the adsorbents. Kinetics of adsorption process is analyzed using pseudo first-order and pseudo-second-order equations and found the good correlation with pseudo second-order model. The methodologies are successfully applied in removing nitrites from water samples collected from polluted lakes.