Work

The Utilization of Silica–Lignin Composite as a Green Adsorbent for Cobalt and Lead Metal Ions in Aqueous Phase

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Heavy metals in environmental waste can pollute the environment and disrupt human health if not managed properly. Heavy metal contamination from industrial waste, particularly cobalt (Co) and lead (Pb), poses serious environmental and health risks due to their toxicity, persistence, and bioaccumulative nature. Conventional remediation methods like chemical precipitation and membrane filtration often face limitations in cost and sustainability, making adsorption a preferred alternative. This research aimed to develop a silica–lignin composite as an adsorbent for removing cobalt (Co 2+ ) and lead (Pb 2+ ) from the aqueous phase. The composite was synthesized by modifying silica with tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and activating lignin to enhance its surface properties. Characterizations using BET, FTIR, and SEM were conducted to evaluate the composite's surface area, functional groups, and morphology. Adsorption experiments were performed by varying metal ion concentrations, contact time, and solution pH. The adsorption performance was evaluated using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) to determine the adsorption capacities for Co 2+ and Pb 2+ , which showed maximum adsorption capacities of 62.89 mg/g for Pb 2+ and 22 mg/g for Co 2+ . These results highlight the potential and effectiveness of the silica–lignin composite as a green and sustainable adsorbent for heavy metal removal from aqueous waste.

Source: Asia-Pacific Journal of Chemical Engineering

DOI: 10.1002/apj.70208

Authors: Rista Siti Mawarni, Gabrielo Ryan Antoro, Ayu Dahliyanti, Witta Kartika Restu

Institutions: National Research and Innovation Agency, Universitas Pertamina

Language: English

Topic: Adsorption and biosorption for pollutant removal

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,400