Removal of lead in aqueous solutions using amorphous nanoaluminophosphates

Amorphous aluminophosphates nanoparticles with diameter sizes from 23 to 30 nm were used for the adsorption of lead ions (Pb2+) in aqueous solutions. The materials were biosynthesized using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a biological template. Adsorption studies were conducted using the batch method, employing 100 mg of the solid and 200 µg L-1 of lead ions. The quantitative determination of Pb2+ was carried out by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). The percentage of removal (EF), adsorption capacity qe (µg g-1) and removal coefficient Kd (mL g-1) averaged 40, 90 and 800, respectively. The results showed the potential of these materials for the adsorption of Pb2+ ions, and that these materials are good candidates for use in the remediation of contaminated water.