EXTRACTION OF HEAVY METALS FROM POLLUTED WATER USING EGGSHELLS POWDER

Heavy metal contamination of water bodies poses a significant threat to environmental sustainability and public health due to the persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity of metals such as lead, cadmium, and chromium. The search for low-cost, sustainable adsorbents has intensified, particularly in developing regions where access to advanced treatment technologies is limited. This study evaluates the adsorption potential of eggshell powder, an abundant bio-waste rich in calcium carbonate (CaCO3), for the removal of selected heavy metals from contaminated water. Eggshells were collected, washed, dried, and calcined, then pulverized into fine powder. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted under controlled conditions, and metal concentrations were quantified using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The results revealed significant reductions in heavy metal concentrations after treatment, indicating high adsorption efficiency. Adsorption was influenced by contact time, pH, adsorbent dosage, and initial metal concentration. The porous structure and high surface reactivity of eggshell powder enhanced its ability to bind metal ions through surface complexation and ion-exchange mechanisms. This research demonstrates that eggshell powder is an effective, eco-friendly, and economically viable adsorbent, offering a sustainable waste-to-wealth approach for improving water quality, particularly in low-resource communities.