Análisis experimental de la capacidad de remoción de metales pesados cadmio y plomo del polvo proveniente de la vaina de Caesalpinia spinosa (Guarango Rojo) de aguas contaminadas

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination in ecosystems currently poses a serious global issue. The danger lies in the fact that these elements cannot be degraded chemically or biologically, leading to bioaccumulation in living organisms. As these metals move up the trophic chain, their concentrations increase, causing symptoms of poisoning due to the consumption of contaminated animals or plants. This study aimed to experimentally analyze the removal capacity of the heavy metals cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) from contaminated water using powder derived from the pods of Caesalpinia spinosa (Guarango Rojo). An experimental methodology was applied, treating contaminated water with Guarango Rojo pod powder to evaluate its efficacy in removing lead and cadmium. The concentrations of heavy metals were measured before and after treatment. The experimental design involved manipulating the dependent variable (removal percentage of red guarango pod powder) and measuring its effect on the independent variable (concentration of heavy metals cadmium and lead). Parameters such as pH and temperature were kept constant during experimentation. The results showed that the maximum removal capacity for lead and cadmium was 21% and 20%, respectively, achieved in 40 and 20 minutes, with a saturation point of 0.5 g for the adsorbent. It was concluded that Guarango Rojo pods exhibit significant potential for heavy metal removal.