Published Paper Details:

Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn (Kapok) fiber belongs to a group of natural fibres that are mainly composed of cellulose, lignin and pectin. These fibres are light weight with hollow tubular structure and is resistant to water. Kapok fiber is comparatively weak and is also flammable. Such characteristics of Kapok fiber have limited its industrial applications, simply being used for filler material. Bio-adsorption of heavy metals by Kapok fibers has been valued as potential alternative to the existing physiochemical technologies for detoxification of heavy metals. Heavy metal pollution has become one of the most serious environmental problems. In this context the property of Kapok fiber as bio adsorbent for removal of copper and lead metal ions is investigated. Adsorption of the heavy metal is studied using colorimetric method. Also, pre-treatment method for changing the nature of fiber from hydrophobic to hydrophilic is used. Maximum adsorption of ions was observed with increase in soaking time. These results indicated that Ceiba pentandra fibers could be used as low-cost adsorbent for the removal of copper and lead metal ions from aqueous solutions.