Study on the adsorption of heavy metal ions Pb2+, Zn2+, Co2+ , Ni2+ from the aqueous solution of the copolymer prepared by gamma induced radiation polymerization.

Abstract

Copolymer hydrogel (PVA-g-AA) having varied PVA (Polyvinyl alcohol) and AA (Acrylic acid) content is prepared by gamma induced radiation polymerization. The parameters affecting the gel fraction yield have been studied. The gel fraction and the swelling property are found to be 92.39 and 905% respectively at an absorbed dose of 20 kGy. Structural and property characteristics were determined by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The surface morphology of PVA and copolymer has been studied with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The factors affecting the metal uptake such as pH, time, and initial feed metal concentration were investigated. It is found that at pH 5 and after 240 minutes the maximum adsorption amount are 178, 161, 117, and 110 mg/g for Pb²⁺, Zn²⁺, Co²⁺, and Ni²⁺ respectively.