The removal of heavy metal ions from the aquatic environment by modified apricot kernel shells [Sucul ortamdan a?ir metal iyonlarinin modifiye edilmiş kayisi çekirdegcaron;i kabugcaron;u ile giderimi]

The removal of Ni(II) and Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solutions using chemically modified apricot kernel shells (P. armeniaca L.) was investigated in this research. Chemical modification methods effects on the adsorption capacity improvement for removal of heavy metals have been investigated. Structures of apricot kernel shells materials before and after modifications was examined by the FTIR and SEM analyses. HCl, NaOH and Fenton reactives were used for the modification processes. The investigation of kinetic, isotherm and thermodynamic parameters were also studied for HCl, NaOH and Fenton modified apricot kernel shells The rejeneration processes were studied for the determination of apricot kernel shells' reusability after the adsorption processes. Additional costs for applied modification processes were calculated and they were compared with the classical methods. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) residues in treated water by raw apricot kernel shells materials decreased from 910-1430 mg/L to 10-90 mg/L with the modification processes. The removal efficiencies changed with heavy metal concentration in water sample and increased up to 92% for apricot kernel shells materials. The adsorption capacities were found between 1 mg/g and 90 mg/g according to type of adsorbent and modification methods. As a result, it was revealed that adsorption capacities and costs of apricot kernel shells were compatible with conventional adsorbents.