Abstract

In this study the adsorption property of rice husk of varied particle sizes (150 μm and 500μm) was examined in the removal of lead and zinc in synthetic solution. The adsorption was done in batches; the effect of concentration, temperature, pH and contact time was examined on the adsorption and the data were fitted into different models such as Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Lagergren pseudo first order and Ho’s pseudo second order. The adsorption was best fitted into the Langmuir and Lagergren models. The adsorption per unit mass was optimum at 150mg/L, at 20oC, pH 7-8 and 30 minutes. The rice husk showed a good potential in removing lead and zinc of waste water.