Asian Journal of Green Chemistry
3.8(Q2)
CiteScore
27
h-index

A Novel Biosorbent Derived from Matoa Seeds (Pometia pinnata) for Lead Removal: Optimization and Material Characterization

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

Arief Yandra Putra 1, 2
Safni Safni 1
Rahmiana Zein 1
Emriadi Emriadi 1

1 Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Andalas University, Padang, Indonesia

2 Education of Chemistry, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Islam Riau, Pekanbaru, Indonesia

10.48309/ajgc.2026.566613.1892
Abstract
Heavy metal pollution, particularly Pb (II), remains a primary environmental and public health concern due to its persistence and toxicity. This work evaluates the potential of matoa seed (Pometia pinnata) seed powder as an inexpensive and sustainable biosorbent for removing Pb (II) from aqueous systems. Before application, the material was chemically activated and examined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM–EDX) analysis, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis to elucidate its structural and surface characteristics. The adsorption variables pH, initial Pb (II) concentration, and contact time were optimized through response surface methodology (RSM) employing a Box–Behnken design (BBD). The optimum conditions were achieved at a pH of 6, an initial metal concentration of 600 mg/L, and a contact time of 60 min, yielding an adsorption capacity of 74 mg/g. Statistical evaluation revealed that the initial ion concentration and the quadratic term in contact time significantly influenced Pb(II) uptake. Spectral analysis confirmed the presence of oxygen-containing functional groups, while morphological and elemental examinations verified the accumulation of Pb on the biosorbent surface. These findings highlight matoa seed powder as a promising natural material for Pb(II) remediation and demonstrate the applicability of RSM for optimizing biosorption processes.

Graphical Abstract

A Novel Biosorbent Derived from Matoa Seeds (Pometia pinnata) for Lead Removal: Optimization and Material Characterization

Keywords

Pb(II) removal
Matoa seed
Biosorption
RSM-BBD

Subjects

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Asian Journal of Green Chemistry

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 04 February 2026

  • Receive Date 16 November 2025
  • Revise Date 01 January 2026
  • Accept Date 02 February 2026

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