A Mixture of Activated Carbon and Schiff’s Base Salicylideneaniline to Extract Zinc, Iron and Copper from Leached Solution

Our study emphases on two key environmental aspects essential for sustainability. We are probing agricultural residues as valuable resources for waste valorisation. Additionally, we are evaluating activated carbon’s ability to adsorb heavy metals. We have developed an efficient and eco-friendly method for extracting metals from leached solution by using this activated carbon combined with Schiff’s base salicylideneaniline. This enhancement improves the carbon’s adsorption properties for better heavy metal removal. Our extensive studies optimize parameters: pH, HSA concentration, and contact time of the separation process, boosting efficiency for real-world applications. Separation of the components is effectually accomplished during the selective extraction. The effective iron adsorption at an equilibrium pH of 2.4 to 3.4, where iron has a strong affinity for retention. Equally, copper can be selectively extracted by adjusting the pH between 3.9 and 4.9, facilitating its separation from other metals. Additionally, zinc can be recovered by advance changing the pH among 5.05 and 6.05, ensuring proper separation and handling of each metal according to their specific pH requirements. The stoichiometry of organometallic complexes corresponding to both specific metals was determined by employing the log-log slope method, which is a widely recognized technique for analysing such chemical compositions. Research on metal extraction from leached water using HSA and AC has shown significant results, especially in selectivity and yield. Iron is extracted with notably higher selectivity than zinc, achieving a yield of 72% in just 35 minutes, demonstrating the method’s efficiency for iron. In contrast, copper and zinc show lower yields; copper reaches only 65% but needs 45 minutes, while zinc achieves a 70% yield after 55 minutes. These results show the different effectiveness of removal methods for various metals, highlighting distinct experiments and efficiencies. Complete, the study reveals the complex dynamics of metal extraction from leached solution.