Abstract
The aim of this work was to define the bioaccumulation mechanism of metals onto the non-living biomaterial prepared from an extensively available plant bark biomass of neem (Azadirachta indica). Based on maximum ultimate fixation capacities (mmol/g) of the product, metals ions could be arranged as Hg2+ < Cd2+ < Pb2+ ≅ Cu2+. Surface properties of the biomaterial were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques for their sorption mechanism. Whewellite (C2CaO4·H2O) was identified in the biomaterial, which indicated that calcium ions are electrovalently bonded with carboxylate ions facilitating the ion exchange mechanism with metal ions. Bioaccumulation of metal ions was also studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, which indicated the presence of functional groups implicated in adsorbing metal ions. Biomaterial did not adsorb anionic As(III), As(V) and Cr(VI), because of their electrostatic repulsion with carboxylic functional groups. Neem bark can be used as bioindicators, bioaccumulators and biomonitors while determining environmental pressures. Metal bioaccumulative properties and structural investigation of plant bark has potential in providing quantitative information on the metal contamination in the surrounding environment.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Arshad M, Zafar MN, Younis S, Nadeem R (2008) The use of Neem biomass for the biosorption of zinc from aqueous solutions. J Hazard Mater 157(2–3):534–540
Athar M, Farooq U, Hussain B (2007) Azadirachata indicum (Neem): an effective biosorbent for the removal of lead (II) from aqueous solutions. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 79(3):288–292
Bulut Y, Baysal Z (2006) Removal of Pb(II) from wastewater using wheat bran. J Environ Manag 78:107–113
Dupont L, Bouand J, Dumonceau J, Aplincourt M (2003) Metal ions binding onto a lignocellulosic substrate extracted from wheat bran: a NICA–Donnan approach. J Colloid Interface Sci 263:35–41
Dupont MF, Gloaguen V, Guilloton M, Granet R, Krausz P (2006) Study of the chemical interaction between barks and heavy metal cations in the sorption process. J Environ Sci Health A 41(2):149–160
Gerente C, Reddad Z, Abdres Y, Le Cloirec P (2004) Competitive adsorption of metals and organics onto a low cost natural polysaccharide. Environ Technol 25:219–225
Gerente C, Du Mesnil PC, Andres Y, Thibault JF, Le Cloirec P (2006) Removal of metal ions from aqueous solution on low cost natural polysaccharides sorption mechanism approach. React Funct Polym 46:135–144
Gloaguen V, Morvan H (1997) Removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solution by modified barks. J Environ Sci Health A 32(4):901–912
Hanzlik J, Jehlicka J, Sebek OO, Weishauptova Z, Machovic VV (2004) Multi-component adsorption of Ag(I), Cd(II) and Cu(II) by natural carbonaceous materials. Water Res 38(8):2178–2184
Horsfall M, Abia AA, Spiff AI (2006) Kinetic studies on the adsorption of Cd2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions from aqueous solutions by cassava (Manihotsculenta Cranz) tuber bark waste. Bioresour Technol 97(2):283–291
ICDD (2002) Powder diffraction file release 2002, PDF-2: International Centre for Diffraction Data, Newton Square, PA
Jang A, Seo Y, Bishop PL (2005) The removal of heavy metals in urban runoff by sorption on mulch. Environ Pollut 133(1):117–127
Krishnani KK, Meng X, Boddu VM (2008a) Fixation of heavy metals onto lignocellulosic sorbent prepared from paddy straw. Water Environ Res 80:2165–2174
Krishnani KK, Ayyappan S (2006) Heavy metals remediation of water using plant and lignocellulosic agrowastes. Rev Environ Contam Toxicol 88:64–85
Krishnani KK, Meng X, Christodoulatos C, Boddu VM (2008b) Biosorption mechanism of nine different heavy metals onto biomatrix from rice husk. J Hazard Mater 153:1222–1234
Krishnani KK, Meng X, Dupont L (2009) Metal ions binding onto lignocellulosic biosorbent. J Environ Sci Health A 44:1–12
Maharia RS, Dutta RK, Acharya R, Reddy AV (2010) Heavy metal bioaccumulation in selected medicinal plants collected from Khetri copper mines and comparison with those collected from fertile soil in Haridwar, India. J Environ Sci Health B 45(2):174–181
Masri MS, Reuter FW, Friedman M (1974) Binding of metal cations by natural substances. J Appl Polym Sci 18(3):675–681
MDI (Material’s Data Inc) (2005) Jade Version 7.1. California, USA
Munagapati VS, Yarramuthi V, Nadavala SK, Alla SR, Abburi K (2010) Biosorption of Cu(II), Cd(II) and Pd(II) by Acacia leucophala bark powder: kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamics. Chem Eng J 157:357–365
Samecka-Cymerman A, Kosior G, Kempers AJ (2006) Comparison of the moss Pleurozium schreberi with needles and bark of Pinussyl vestris as biomonitors of pollution by industry in Stalowa Wola (southeast Poland). Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 65(1):108–117
Sekhar CK, Kamala CT, Chary NS, Sastry AR, Rao NT, Vairamani M (2004) Removal of lead from aqueous solutions using an immobilized biomaterial derived from a plant biomass. J Hazard Mater 108:111–117
Xin-Min Z, Zhao X (2003) Mechanism of lead adsorption from aqueous solutions using an adsorbent synthesized from natural condensed tannins. Water Res 37:3905–3912
Xin-Min Z, Miyazaki A, Nakano Y (2001) Mechanisms of lead removal from aqueous solutions using a novel tannin gel adsorbent synthesized from natural condensed tannin. J Chem Eng Jpn 34:1204–1210
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Krishnani, K.K., Boddu, V.M., Moon, D.H. et al. Metals Bioaccumulation Mechanism in Neem Bark. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 95, 414–419 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-015-1609-2
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-015-1609-2