Removal of Cu (II) ions from aqueous solutions by turmeric powder

Copper is an essential nutrient, but it is toxic at high intake levels. The presence of copper(II) ions causes serious toxicological concerns, it is usually known to deposit in brain, skin, liver, pancreas and myocardium. In this work the ability of turmeric to remove copper (II) ions from aqueous solution was studied. Adsorption of metals ions by turmeric powder may be used as a natural remedy for sequestration of toxic metals which are ingested through daily food intake It was found that adsorption increased with increasing contact time, pH, temperature, adsorbent dose. The equilibrium data were satisfactorily described by Freundlich isotherm model. Adsorption of Cu (II) by turmeric powder was followed by pseudo 2/sub nd/ order kinetics. (author)