Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) leaves as an Adsorbent of Lead in Aqueous Solution

Abstract

Water impurities deprive the environment of safe drinking water that serves as one of the major needs of different organisms including the human population. The researcher aimed to determine if Cilantro is an effective agent in the accumulation of Lead (Pb). Samples of aqueous solution contaminated with Lead were prepared with a constant concentration of 150ppm and were mixed with a different amount of pulverisedCilantro leaves to accumulate the heavy metal and was filtered afterwards. Cilantro leaves are significantly effective upon using it as a heavy metal accumulator because of its adsorption properties within its outer wall structure. Previous studies showed that, there is a hydroxyl group present in the outer wall of the cilantro that is ideally for absorbing and adsorbing heavy metals. The scanning electron microscope revealed that there are holes and spaces on the structure of the cilantro leaves, which is one of the reasons why it is capable of adsorbing lead. Determination of the heavy metal accumulation was done by conducting Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Setups A, B, and C were effective in accumulating Lead in the aqueous solution because all of it gave a zero concentration of Lead and a 100% bio sorption based on the formula. In obtaining the significant difference, analysis of variance was used. It shows a significant difference between the three setups and activated carbon. Therefore, it was concluded that Cilantro is a feasible agent in the adsorption of Lead in aqueous solution.