Characterization and Efficiency of Abura Tree (Hallea ciliata) Sawdust in the Removal of Lead ion From Aqueous Solution

Water pollution from industrial activities has led to the accumulation of toxic heavy metals like lead in aquatic systems, posing serious environmental and health risks. Adsorption using low-cost biomaterials such as sawdust, particularly from Hallea ciliata (Abura tree), has emerged as an effective and sustainable method for removing these contaminants from aqueous solutions. The study characterized and evaluated the efficiency of Abura tree (Hallea ciliata) sawdust collected from sawmill as absorbent for the removal of lead ion from aqueous solution. Method such as sieving, washing, drying was use to prepare the sawdust while Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) were used for characterization and Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer by Buck Scientific VGP 210 was used for the detection of lead concentration. Batch adsorption method under varying pH, dosage, contact time, and varied concentration were adopted. Results revealed FTIR spectra bands at 3339.7 cm-1 for O-H and N-H stretching vibration due to alcohol, carboxylic acid in lignin and aliphatic primary amine; 1729.5cm-1 for C=O bending vibration due to ester in hemicellulose. SEM result revealed irregular distinctive smooth surfaced-like and rough-shaped surface-liked structure. Adsorption results showed that at pH 8.0, dosage of 2g and contact time of 90 min and initial concentration of 100mg/L; 45.44 %, 75.89 %, 75.86 % and 75 % removal efficiency were recorded. It was concluded that sawdust of Abura tree (Hallea ciliata) was an efficient adsorbent for the removal of metal ion from aqueous solution and therefore recommended as it is easily available.