2006 Volume 4 Issue 1 Pages 73-82
This study investigated the adsorptive capacity for lead ions of wheat bran (WB), which is a vegetable biomass. The results show that in adsorption by WB, lead ions are competitive with calcium ions. Also, the ability of WB carbonized at 1000°C, to remove lead ions, was higher than that by WB in the low concentration range. The amount of magnesium ions eluted from carbonized WB per unit mass was highest for WB carbonized at 800°C, and was approximately 8 times the amount eluted from WB. Furthermore, the total viable bacteria count after 36 h of WB treatment at 15 - 35°C was 7380 or more. However, the total viable bacteria count after 48h for carbonized WB was 20 - 280, suggesting the possible usage for treatment of drinking water. These results suggest that carbonized WB can be a new adsorbent, have the mineral release ability -- i.e. an adsorbent which removes lead ions which are harmful to people, and releases calcium ions and magnesium ions which are beneficial to people.
