Abstract

Physicochemical evaluation of agricultural wastes underpins their energy potential, adsorption performance and environmental implications. This work aimed at assessment of the physical and chemical constituents of palm fronds and evaluation of raw (RPF) and copper nanocomposite-modified (CuPF) variants for cadmium ion removal from wastewater. Proximate (bulk/tapped density, moisture and ash contents, volatile matter) and ultimate (lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, holocellulose) compositions, alongside water/oil absorption, were quantified via thermogravimetric analysis. Batch experiments optimized contact time, pH, dosage, temperature, and initial Cd ion concentration, with analysis by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The results of the physicochemical properties showed that palm fronds are capable of providing internal volumes for the penetration and retention of metal ions. CuPF generally showed higher adsorption capacity (qe) to RPF across all conditions studied. Pseudo-secondorder kinetic superseded, with intraparticle diffusion (non-zero intercepts) indicating hybrid surface/ diffusion control. Equilibrium favored Freundlich isotherm from R2 values (0.8009 and 0.8259) for RPF and CuPF respectively, evidencing cooperative adsorption. Thermodynamic parameters showed positive enthalpy and entropy values, denoting an endothermic process with increased disorder at the metal ion interface, while negative ΔG0 values confirmed spontaneity of the process. Conclusively, CuPF achieved >80% removal efficiency, establishing Cu-nanohybrid palm fronds as a low-cost, sustainable sorbent for cadmium pollution remediation.

Keywords:Physicochemical assessment; Palm fronds; Cadmium adsorption; Copper nano composites; Kinetics; Thermodynamics; Equilibrium