Treatment of Synthetic Wastewater Containing Fe2+ Using Adsorption Method with Mulberry Leaves

Besides the toxic effects of heavy metals on the environment, their harmful impact on water resources is becoming increasingly significant. Among these, Fe²⁺, due to its high levels in the body, negatively affects various organs such as the heart, liver, and pancreas. Several methods, including chemical precipitation, bioremediation, ion exchange, membrane filtration, electrochemical treatment, and adsorption, are well-documented in the literature for removing toxic substances. This study focused on removing Fe²⁺ cations from water using adsorption. For this purpose, an adsorbent made from mulberry leaves—commonly recognized in the literature for its health benefits—was utilized. During the experiment, optimal conditions for mulberry leaves were identified as: 0.3 g of adsorbent, 30 mg/L Fe²⁺ concentration, 30 °C temperature, 150 rpm agitation speed, pH 10, and 180 minutes of contact time.