Effectiveness of blended modified biomaterials and coagulants in removing heavy metal ions from drinking water before determination by ICP-OES

The effectiveness and characterization of blended composite materials made of modified biomaterials and iron (III) sulfate coagulant to remove selected dissolved heavy metals from water-chosen samples were examined during the rainy and dry seasons by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Water samples were mechanically batch agitated at their prevailing pHs with optimal composite doses. Following the treatment during the rainy season, the results indicated a percent elimination range of 62.16-99.19 percent. Cu > Zn > Pb > Cd; Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd; Pb > Cu > Cd > Zn; and Zn > Cu > Cd > Pb were the percent removal trends in the FBW, ABW, EBRW, and ERWA samples, respectively. During the dry season, a removal range of 93.70 – 100 percent was recorded with the following trend: Pb = Zn = Cu; Zn Pb; and Pb = Cu. Concentrations of all residual metals except Cd satisfied the World Health Organization and Nigerian Standard Organization permissible levels. Interactions of the variables at (p<0.05, p<0.01, and p<0.001) indicated a statistically significant difference. The reduced linear model of analysis of variance (ANOVA) and response surface methodology employed to predict the responses of main and interaction effects of variables for the dosage optimization of composite materials indicated suitability and statistical significance.