Comparative Adsorption of Lead(II) on Flake and Bead‐Types of Chitosan

The adsorption of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solutions by chitosan flakes and beads was studied. The chitosan beads were prepared by casting an acidic chitosan solution into alkaline solution. Experiments were carried out as a function of pH, agitation period and initial concentration of Pb²⁺ ions. The uptake of Pb²⁺ ions from aqueous solution was determined from changes in concentration as measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The maximum uptake of Pb²⁺ ions on chitosan beads was greater than that on chitosan flakes. Adsorption isothermal data could be interpreted by the Langmuir equation. The experimental data of the adsorption equilibrium from Pb²⁺ ion solutions correlated well with the Langmuir isotherm equation. SEM analyses were also conducted for visual examination of the chitosan flakes and beads. Physical properties including surface area and average pore diameter were characterized by N₂ adsorption experiment.