Evaluation of Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) Extracts as Lead Biosorbents: Maceration vs Microwave-Assisted Extraction

The rapid growth of industries and motorized vehicle use has increased heavy metal contamination, particularly lead (Pb), which is toxic even at low concentrations. Biosorption using Sansevieria trifasciata (snake plant) extract offers a natural alternative due to its bioactive compounds with metal-binding abilities. This study examined the effects of extraction time and ethanol solvent ratio on lead absorption using maceration and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a central composite design was applied, testing extraction times (1, 3, 5 days for maceration; 60, 120, 180 seconds for MAE) and ethanol ratios (5:1, 8.5:1, 12:1 for maceration; 8:1, 10:1, 12:1 for MAE). Lead absorption was measured using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS), and phytochemical tests were conducted for phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins. The extraction time and solvent ratio interaction significantly influenced both lead absorption and bioactive compound levels. Optimal maceration conditions (1 day 21 hours, 5.40:1 ethanol ratio) achieved 74.02% absorption, while MAE (60s, 12:1 ratio) reached 78.45%. MAE extracts contained higher levels of bioactive compounds than fresh leaves, but concentrations decreased after biosorption, likely due to binding with lead ions. The most notable reductions occurred in phenolic and saponin contents, indicating their vital role in metal chelation. MAE showed better efficiency than maceration. These findings confirm that extraction conditions critically affect biosorption performance and highlight S. trifasciata extract as a promising, eco-friendly biosorbent for lead removal in food and environmental applications.