Removal of Lead from Aqueous Solutions Using Different Coffee by-products (Coffea arabica L.)

Abstract

The production and contamination of heavy metals have increased because of industrialization, which endangers biodiversity and human health. Several heavy metal removal techniques are available, but with different disadvantages; that’s why research and innovation are needed. This research aims to summarize the literature on the removal of lead (II) from aqueous solutions using different coffee by-products such as coffee husk (Coffea arabica L.) and other organic waste-products, which have potential low-cost biosorbent materials with a high yield of lead biosorption (II). A higher yield of lead (II) biosorption has been found in grounds and coffee husk, higher than 90% and 230 mg/g, respectively. Therefore, the need to go deeper in the search for new biosorbents that are sustainable over time. Also, it was shown that as the pH value increases, the sorption process decreases.