Characterization of Cassava Root Husk Powder: Equilibrium, Kinetic and Modeling Studies as Bioadsorbent for Copper(II) and Lead(II)

This study was aimed to investigate Pb(II) and Cu(II) ions removal ability from aqueous solution by cassava root husks (CRH) as a cheap, sustainable and eco-friendly bioadsorbent. The CRH was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy which indicated the availability of various functional groups for metal coordination and the result was supported by elemental analysis studies. UV-Visible spectral studies indicated the presence of oxalate () and it could possibly interact with metal ions to give rise to a stable chelated coordination complex which affects metal ions removal efficiency. Bioadsorption process was carried out as a function of metal concentration, contact time, pH of the solution, particle size, and dosage of the adsorbent. Experimental results indicated the optimal adsorption condition of pH 4 for both Pb(II) and Cu(II) ions, dosage of 0.1 g/0.1L and 1 g/0.1L for Pb(II) and Cu(II) ions respectively, adsorption equilibrium time of 2 and 25 minutes for Pb(II) and Cu(II) respectively, and concentration of 0.5 mg/L for both metal ions. Kinetic data best fitted pseudo-second-order model and not the pseudo-first-order model. Equilibrium data best fitted the Freundlich model than the Langmuir model. Specific surface area and pore volume studies indicated that CRH is non-porous and hence rapid adsorption kinetics is expected. Supporting the experimental results, molecular modeling studies performed using Schrödinger software predicted several sites in the structure capable of docking with metal ions.

Physico-chemical analysis of traditional vegetal salts obtained from three provinces of Papua New Guinea

Objective:To determine the chemical constituents of the traditional vegetal salts and find out if they are safe to consume.Methods:Seven different salts have been obtained from three provinces,of which five belong to Morobe Province.The cations were determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy and anions using titrimetry,gravimetry and spectrophotometry.Others like solubility,electrical conductivity,pH,antimicrobial,Fourier transform infrared spectral and volatility studies have been carried out for these salts.Results:While few salts were found to be stable,others were deliquescent;and the colour varies from white to black through yellow and brown.It was found that the potassium ion was dominant while others including sodium and calcium were found in lower concentrations.For the first time,certain d-block metal concentrations were measured though most of them were found to be present at very low levels.Other parameters like volatility,solubility,electrical conductivity,antimicrobial and Fourier transform infrared spectral studies were carried out for the first time for these vegetal salts in Papua New Guinea.Conclusions:The salt’s deliquescence could be correlated to the presence of anions like carbonate,bicarbonate and hydroxide which strongly contribute towards it.Similarly,solubility and conductivity of the salts could be correlated well.The salts were found to be harmless for consumption,but for the high potassium content.

Analysis of ash suspension obtained from Piper aduncum that claimed to cure cancer in Papua New Guinea

Objective:To analyse the Piper ash suspension and the salts obtained from young and matured P.aduncum species.Methods:Salts obtained by evaporating the ash filtrates of young and matured Piper aduncum shrubs and an ash suspension sample obtained from Busiga village were analysed for cations and anions.Results:No organic part was found and only common inorganic cations and anions were present in all these samples.The Busiga sample,in addition,contained huge amounts of carbon ash(21.18 g/L).The essential mineral electrolyte content for the two salts was found to be 58.25%and 48.59%respectively.Details on electrical conductivity,Fourier transform infrared spectral and antimicrobial studies are discussed.Conclusions:Though it has been a myth and mystery that people get cured from maladies,the rate of curing is possibly related to the presence of mineral electrolytes present in the suspension,and a rich change in the diet the patients adapt during such circumstances.