The application of kudzu as a medium for the adsorption of heavy metals from dilute aqueous wastestreams.

This study assessed the use of kudzu (Pueraria lobata ohwi) as a medium for the capture of copper, cadmium, and zinc from low concentration solutions. The rate and extent of uptake was studied using a system of standardized batch adsorbers under steady-state and transient-rate conditions. All plant components were tested. Residual metals analyses were performed on an ICP-AES/OES (Optima 3000 DV). The Langmuir, Freundlich, and Redlich-Peterson isotherms were determined; the Langmuir isotherm was found to best represent the data for copper and cadmium uptake. The Redlich-Peterson best represented the data for zinc. Kudzu was determined to be an effective adsorbent for removal of heavy metals. Though its capacity for metals removal is less than commercial grade ion exchange resins, it could be used at much lower cost, and may find application in the treatment of dilute mixed-matrix metal wastestreams, such as urban runoff, where the application of resins would be expensive and subject to premature poisoning by interfering contaminants.