ELECTROCHEMICAL STUDIES OF Cu(II) BINDING TO ALFALFA BIOMASS

We have performed several studies to determine the electrochemical properties of Cu(II) binding by alfalfa biomass using carbon paste alfalfa-modified electrodes. Experimental conditions such as alfalfa-carbon paste concentrations, solution pH, and metal preconcentration times were determined. Results of the electro-chemical studies have shown that an increase in response was observed by increasing the concentration of alfalfa biomass with a maximum response at 30% (w/w). In addition, the response was found to escalate as the pH of the Cu(II) solutions were raised from 2-6, which parallels the trends observed from previously performed batch experiments. This information will aid in the elucidation of the mechanisms for metal ion binding by alfalfa biomass in order to develop a better method to clean heavy metal-contaminated waters.