Lead removal from aqueouscontenidosolution by spherical agglomeration using an extract of agave lechuguilla torr. As biosurfactant

This study focused on determining the optimal conditions for lead removal in aqueous solution models, by the spherical agglomeration technique (SAT), modifying the dose of Agave lechuguilla Torr. (lechuguilla) extract, used as biosurfactant. The SAT operating conditions at room temperature were: Initial pH 9, and constant agitation ! = 600 rpm. Experiments were performed under a 5x3 factorial design with five lechuguilla extract doses (0.3 - 2.0 g extract/g of pollutant), three different lead concentrations (1, 5 and 10 mg/L) and, for the SAT last stage, two di_erent dosage ratio of CaCl2 (10:1 and 20:1 parts of Ca2+ by part of pollutant). Residual lead, sodium and calcium were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. According to statistical analysis, significant e_ects were observed for calcium dosages, initial lead concentration, extract dose and their interaction. Highest lead removal e_ciency was achieved when applying the lower CaCl2 dose and lechuguilla extract below 1 g extract/g of pollutant, such removal reached 99.8%.