ABSTRACT Lead has unique physical and chemical properties that make it suitable for a large number of industrial applications. Due to the increasing and continuous usage of lead, it poses a serious threat to the environment and the biota. Conventional method of removing lead using physical and chemical approach has many limitations, including generation of secondary waste. Thus, the potential of using a bio-adsorbent consisting of mixed sugarcane bagasse and banana peel was assessed. Bio-absorption data were used to plot isotherm model to gauge how Pb(II) ions attach to the bio-adsorbent surface. It was found that the data fitted the Freundlich isotherm, indicating that Pb(II) ions attached to the bio-adsorbent surface in multiple layers. The bio-adsorbent was found to have several negatively charged binding sites including hydroxyl group (-OH) and carbonyl group (C=O) that allow Pb(II) ions to bind.
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