Utilization of barley straws as biosorbents for Cu2+ and Pb2+ ions

The potential to remove Cu(2+) and Pb(2+) ion from aqueous solutions through biosorption using barley straw (BS) was investigated in batch experiments. The main parameters influencing Cu(2+) and Pb(2+) ion sorption on BS were: initial metal ion concentration, amount of adsorbent, contact time and pH value of solution. The influences of initial Cu(2+) and Pb(2+) ion concentration (0.1-1mM), pH (2-9), contact time (10-240 min) and adsorbent amount (0.1-1.0 g) have been reported. Equilibrium isotherms have been measured and modelled. The percent adsorption of Cu(2+) and Pb(2+) ions increased with an increase in pH and dosage of treated BS. The biosorptive capacity of the BS was dependent on the pH of Cu(2+) and Pb(2+) ion solution. Adsorption of Cu(2+) and Pb(2+) ion was in all cases pH dependent showing a maximum at equilibrium pH value at 6.0. The equilibrium sorption capacities of Cu(2+) and Pb(2+) after 2h were 4.64 mg/g and 23.20mg/g for BS, respectively. The adsorption data fit well with the Langmuir isotherm model and the experimental result inferred that complexation on surface, adsorption (chemisorption) and ion exchange is one of the major adsorption mechanisms for binding Cu(2+) and Pb(2+) ion to the sorbents.     

Low-cost adsorbents for heavy metals uptake from contaminated water: a review

In this article, the technical feasibility of various low-cost adsorbents for heavy metal removal from contaminated water has been reviewed. Instead of using commercial activated carbon, researchers have worked on inexpensive materials, such as chitosan, zeolites, and other adsorbents, which have high adsorption capacity and are locally available. The results of their removal performance are compared to that of activated carbon and are presented in this study. It is evident from our literature survey of about 100 papers that low-cost adsorbents have demonstrated outstanding removal capabilities for certain metal ions as compared to activated carbon. Adsorbents that stand out for high adsorption capacities are chitosan (815, 273, 250 mg/g of Hg(2+), Cr(6+), and Cd(2+), respectively), zeolites (175 and 137 mg/g of Pb(2+) and Cd(2+), respectively), waste slurry (1030, 560, 540 mg/g of Pb(2+), Hg(2+), and Cr(6+), respectively), and lignin (1865 mg/g of Pb(2+)). These adsorbents are suitable for inorganic effluent treatment containing the metal ions mentioned previously. It is important to note that the adsorption capacities of the adsorbents presented in this paper vary, depending on the characteristics of the individual adsorbent, the extent of chemical modifications, and the concentration of adsorbate.     

Adsorption of divalent heavy metal ions from water using carbon nanotube sheets

Removal of some divalent heavy metal ions (Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Pb(2+), Cd(2+), Co(2+)) from aqueous solutions using carbon nanotube (CNT) sheets was performed. CNT sheets were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition of cyclohexanol and ferrocene in nitrogen atmosphere at 750°C, and oxidized with concentrated nitric acid at room temperature and then employed as adsorbent for water treatment. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were used to describe the adsorption behavior of heavy metal ions by oxidized CNT sheets. The obtained results demonstrated that the oxidized CNT sheets can be used as an effective adsorbent for heavy metal ions removal from water. It was found out that kinetics of adsorption varies with initial concentration of heavy metal ions. Preference of adsorption onto the oxidized CNT sheets can be ordered as Pb(2+)>Cd(2+)>Co(2+)>Zn(2+)>Cu(2+). Using the oxidized CNT sheets, waste water treatment without CNT leakage into water is economically feasible. Therefore, CNT sheets have good potential application in environmental protection.     

Ion-exchange of Pb2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, and Ni2+ ions from aqueous solution by Lewatit CNP 80

Removal of trace amounts of heavy metals can be achieved by means of selective ion-exchange processes. The newly developed resins offered a high resin capacity and faster sorption kinetics for the metal ions such as Pb(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Cd(2+), and Ni(2+) ions. In the present study, the removal of Pb(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Cd(2+), and Ni(2+) ions from aqueous solutions was investigated. Experimental investigations were undertaken using the ion-exchange resin Lewatit CNP 80 (weakly acidic) and were compared with Lewatit TP 207 (weakly acidic and chelating). The optimum pH range for the ion-exchange of the above mentioned metal ions on Lewatit CNP 80 and Lewatit TP 207 were 7.0-9.0 and 4.5-5.5, respectively. The influence of pH, contact time, metal concentration and amount of ion-exchanger on the removal process was investigated. For investigations of the exchange equilibrium, different amounts of resin were contacted with a fixed volume of Pb(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Cd(2+), and Ni(2+) ion containing solution. The obtained sorption affinity sequence in the presented work was Ni(2+)>Cu(2+)>Cd(2+)>Zn(2+)>Pb(2+). The metal ion concentrations were measured by AAS methods. The distribution coefficient values for metal ions of 10(-3)M initial concentration at 0.1mol/L ionic strength show that the Lewatit CNP 80 was more selective for Ni(2+), Cu(2+) than it was for Cd(2+), Zn(2+) and Pb(2+). Langmuir isotherm was applicable to the ion-exchange process and its contents were calculated. The uptake of metal ions by the ion-exchange resins was reversible and thus has good potential for the removal of Pb(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Cd(2+), and Ni(2+) from aqueous solutions. The amount of sorbed metal ion per gram dry were calculated as 4.1, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, and 4.7mequiv./g dry resin for Pb(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Cd(2+), and Ni(2+), respectively. Selectivity increased in the series: Cd(2+)>Pb(2+)>Cu(2+)>Ni(2+)>Zn(2+). The results obtained showed that Lewatit CNP 80 weakly acidic resin had shown better performance than Lewatit TP 207 resin for the removal of metals. The change of the ionic strength of the solution exerts a slight influence on the removal of Pb(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Cd(2+), and Ni(2+). The presence of low ionic strength or low concentration of NaNO(3) does not have a significant effect on the ion-exchange of these metals by the resins. We conclude that Lewatit CNP 80 can be used for the efficient removal of Pb(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Cd(2+), and Ni(2+) from aqueous solutions.     

Adsorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II) from aqueous solutions using titanate nanotubes prepared via hydrothermal method

Titanate nanotubes (TNs) with specific surface areas of 272.31 m(2)g(-1) and pore volumes of 1.264 cm(3)g(-1) were synthesized by alkaline hydrothermal method. The TNs were investigated as adsorbents for the removal of Pb(II) and Cd(II) from aqueous solutions. The FT-IR analysis indicated that Pb(II) and Cd(II) adsorption were mainly ascribed to the hydroxyl groups in the TNs. Batch experiments were conducted by varying contact time, pH and adsorbent dosage. It was shown that the initial uptake of each metal ion was very fast in the first 5 min, and adsorption equilibrium was reached after 180 min. The adsorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II) were found to be maximum at pH in the range of 5.0-6.0. The adsorption kinetics of both metal ions followed the pseudo-second-order model. Equilibrium data were best fitted with the Langmuir isotherm model, and the maximum adsorption capacities of Pb(II) and Cd(II) were determined to be 520.83 and 238.61 mg g(-1), respectively. Moreover, more than 80% of Pb(II) and 85% of Cd(II) adsorbed onto TNs can be desorbed with 0.1M HCl after 3h. Thus, TNs were considered to be effective and promising materials for the removal of both Pb(II) and Cd(II) from wastewater.     

Removal of mixed heavy metal ions in wastewater by zeolite 4A and residual products from recycled coal fly ash

The removal performance and the selectivity sequence of mixed metal ions (Co(2+), Cr(3+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+) and Ni(2+)) in aqueous solution were investigated by adsorption process on pure and chamfered-edge zeolite 4A prepared from coal fly ash (CFA), commercial grade zeolite 4A and the residual products recycled from CFA. The pure zeolite 4A (prepared from CFA) was synthesized under a novel temperature step-change method with reduced synthesis time. Batch method was employed to study the influential parameters such as initial metal ions concentration, adsorbent dose, contact time and initial pH of the solution on the adsorption process. The experimental data were well fitted by the pseudo-second-order kinetics model (for Co(2+), Cr(3+), Cu(2+) and Zn(2+) ions) and the pseudo-first-order kinetics model (for Ni(2+) ions). The equilibrium data were well fitted by the Langmuir model and showed the affinity order: Cu(2+) > Cr(3+) > Zn(2+) > Co(2+) > Ni(2+) (CFA prepared and commercial grade zeolite 4A). The adsorption process was found to be pH and concentration dependent. The sorption rate and sorption capacity of metal ions could be significantly improved by increasing pH value. The removal mechanism of metal ions was by adsorption and ion exchange processes. Compared to commercial grade zeolite 4A, the CFA prepared adsorbents could be alternative materials for the treatment of wastewater.     

Heavy metal removal from aqueous solutions by activated phosphate rock

The use of natural adsorbent such as phosphate rock to replace expensive imported synthetic adsorbent is particularly appropriate for developing countries such as Tunisia. In this study, the removal characteristics of lead, cadmium, copper and zinc ions from aqueous solution by activated phosphate rock were investigated under various operating variables like contact time, solution pH, initial metal concentration and temperature. The kinetic and the sorption process of these metal ions were compared for phosphate rock (PR) and activated phosphate rock (APR). To accomplish this objective we have: (a) characterized both (PR) and (APR) using different techniques (XRD, IR) and analyses (EDAX, BET-N(2)); and, (b) qualified and quantified the interaction of Pb(2+), Cd(2+), Cu(2+) and Zn(2+) with these sorbents through batch experiments. Initial uptake of these metal ions increases with time up to 1h for (PR) and 2h for (APR), after then, it reaches equilibrium. The maximum sorption obtained for (PR) and (APR) is between pH 2 and 3 for Pb(2+) and 4 and 6 for Cd(2+), Cu(2+) and Zn(2+). The effect of temperature has been carried out at 10, 20 and 40 degrees C. The data obtained from sorption isotherms of metal ions at different temperatures fit to linear form of Langmuir sorption equation. The heat of sorption (DeltaH degrees), free energy (DeltaG degrees) and change in entropy (DeltaS degrees) were calculated. They show that sorption of Pb(2+), Cd(2+), Cu(2+) and Zn(2+) on (PR) and (APR) an endothermic process. These findings are significant for future using of (APR) for the removal of heavy metal ions from wastewater under realistic competitive conditions in terms of initial heavy metals, concentrations and pH.     

The effect of some operating variables on the adsorption of lead and cadmium ions on kaolinite clay

Modification of kaolinite clay mineral with orthophosphate (p-modified sample) enhanced adsorption of Pb and Cd ions from aqueous solutions of the metal ions. Increasing pH of solutions of metal ions, increasing adsorbent dose and increasing concentration of metal ion, increased the adsorption of metal ions. Adsorption of both metal ions simultaneously on both unmodified and p-modified samples indicates that adsorption of one metal ion is suppressed to some degree by the other. The presence of electrolyte and their increasing concentration reduced the adsorption capacities of both unmodified and p-modified samples for the metal ions. Ca-electrolytes had more negative effect on the adsorption capacities of the adsorbents than Na-electrolytes. Ca-electrolytes reduced adsorption capacities of the adsorbents for Pb and Cd ions. From Langmuir plots it was observed that these electrolytes increased the binding energy constant of the metal ions unto the adsorbents especially on the p-modified samples. The rate of adsorption of Pb and Cd ions on p-modified adsorbent were increased and equilibrium of metal ion solution were more quickly reached (8min for Pb ions and 12min for Cd ions) with p-modified adsorbent as against 20min for adsorption of both metal ions on unmodified adsorbent when 200mg/L of metal ion solutions were used during the kinetic studies. When adsorption data were fitted against Langmuir, Freundlich, Toth and Langmuir-Freundlich isotherms, satisfactory fits were found with the Freundlich isotherm. However, at low concentration of metal ions, data also showed satisfactory fits to Langmuir isotherm.     

Comparison and evaluation of the synthetic biopolymer poly-L-aspartic acid and the synthetic "plastic" polymer poly-acrylic acid for use in metal ion-exchange systems

Poly-L-aspartic acid (PLAsp), a biopolymer, and a similar synthetic polymer, poly-acrylic acid (PAA), each consisting of approximately 50 repeating Asp and acrylic acid monomers, respectively, were immobilized onto controlled pore glass (CPG) and evaluated for use as metal ion-exchange materials. Both polymers achieve metal complexation primarily through their repeating carboxylate side groups resulting in a similar binding trend for the metals tested (Ca(2+), Cd(2+), Co(2+), Cu(2+), Mg(2+), Mn(2+), Na(+), Ni(2+), Pb(2+)), with metal binding capacities ranging from <0.1 to 12 micromol metal/g column and <0.1 to 32 micromol metal/g column for PLAsp and PAA respectively. Cu(2+) and Pb(2+) exhibited strong binding to both materials, while the other metals demonstrated only weak or minimal binding. Both columns allowed for quantitative release of bound metals through acid stripping and experienced increased overall metal binding with increasing pH. Both systems also maintained similar structural and chemical stability when continuously exposed to neutral buffered, highly acidic, oxidizing, large molecule rich, and elevated temperature environments. The main differences between the two systems are the material cost and system biodegradability.     

Reuse of waste silica as adsorbent for metal removal by iron oxide modification

Silica gel is widely used in research laboratories, especially for the purification of organic compounds. Consequently, waste silica gel is generated in increasing amounts. In this work, waste silica was modified by coating its surface with iron oxide aiming to obtain an effective adsorbent for metal removal from wastewater. In the preparation of the adsorbent, the optimal pretreatment temperature and iron concentration were investigated. The coated waste silica was characterized for BET surface area, pore size, specific pore volume and iron content. Iron oxide-coated waste silica was tested for the adsorption of Pb(II), Cu(II), Cd(II) and Ni(II) from solutions in a batch system. The effect of contact time, pH and salt concentration on metal adsorption was investigated. It was found that the adsorption of metals occurred rapidly and reached equilibrium within 30 min. The pH suitable for metal adsorption was between 6 and 7 and leaching of iron from the coating was observed only at pH 3 or lower. The presence of salt reduced the adsorption efficiency of the adsorbent. The adsorption behavior followed both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms (25 degrees C). Finally, the efficacy of the adsorbents was investigated using aqueous lab waste where removal efficiencies ranging from 62 to 89% were achieved when the initial metal concentrations ranged from 13 to 42 mg L(-1).     

Adsorption of heavy metal ions from aqueous solution by crosslinked carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan

Crosslinked carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan (CMKGM) with degrees of substitution (DS) 0.265 and 0.550 were prepared through reaction of monochloroacetic acid (MCA), konjac glucomannan (KGM) and epichlorohydrin and used to adsorb Cu(2+), Pb(2+) and Cd(2+) ions from the aqueous solutions. Regardless of the metal ion species, the adsorption capacity rapidly reached equilibrium within 20min and adsorption followed second-order kinetic equation. The effect of pH on adsorption was apparent, the appropriate range was 5-6. The adsorptions of three metal ions are well followed as the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The maximum adsorption capacity (Q(m)) and Langmuir constant (b) of CMKGM (DS=0.550) for Pb(2+) were 41.7mg/g and 0.305mg/L. These values were higher than those for Cu(2+) and Cd(2+). Among the tested ions, the order of adsorption capacity was Pb(2+)>Cu(2+)>Cd(2+) in mass basis. The regeneration study indicates that CMKGM could be used repeatedly without significantly changing their adsorption capacities and desorption percentage.     

The study of various parameters affecting the ion exchange of Cu2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+ from aqueous solution on Dowex 50W synthetic resin

A gel resin containing sulfonate groups (Dowex 50W) was investigated for its sorption properties towards copper, zinc, nickel, cadmium and lead metal ions. The use of selective ion exchange to recover metals from aqueous solution has been studied. The ion exchange behavior of five metals on Dowex 50W, depending on pH, temperature, and contact time and adsorbate amount was studied. Experimental measurements have been made on the batch sorption of toxic metals from aqueous solutions using cation exchanger Dowex 50W. The maximum recoveries (about 97%) Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Ni(2+), Cd(2+) and (about 80%) Pb(2+) were found at pH ranges 8-9. The amount of sorbed metal ion was calculated as 4.1, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, and 4.7mequiv./gram dry resin for Pb(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Cd(2+), and Ni(2+), respectively. The precision of the method was examined at under optimum conditions. Selectivity increased in the series: Pb>Cd>Cu>Zn>Ni. It has been observed that, selectivity of the -SO(3)H group of the resin increases with atomic number, valance, degree of ionization of the exchanged metals. The equilibrium ion exchange capacity of resin for metal ions was measured and explored by using Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms. Langmuir type sorption isotherm was suitable for equilibrium studies.     

Biosorption of heavy metals from aqueous solutions by chemically modified orange peel

Equilibrium, thermodynamic and kinetic studies were carried out for the biosorption of Pb(2+), Cd(2+) and Ni(2+) ions from aqueous solution using the grafted copolymerization-modified orange peel (OPAA). Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were applied to describe the biosorption of the metal ions onto OPAA. The influences of pH and contact time of solution on the biosorption were studied. Langmuir model fitted the equilibrium data better than the Freundlich isotherm. According to the Langmuir equation, the maximum uptake capacities for Pb(2+), Cd(2+) and Ni(2+) ions were 476.1, 293.3 and 162.6 mg g(-1), respectively. Compared with the unmodified orange peel, the biosorption capacity of the modified biomass increased 4.2-, 4.6- and 16.5-fold for Pb(2+), Cd(2+) and Ni(2+), respectively. The kinetics for Pb(2+), Cd(2+) and Ni(2+) ions biosorption followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics. The free energy changes (ΔG°) for Pb(2+), Cd(2+) and Ni(2+) ions biosorption process were found to be -3.77, -4.99 and -4.22 kJ mol(-1), respectively, which indicates the spontaneous nature of biosorption process. FTIR demonstrated that carboxyl and hydroxyl groups were involved in the biosorption of the metal ions. Desorption of Pb(2+), Cd(2+) and Ni(2+) ions from the biosorbent was effectively achieved in a 0.05 mol L(-1) HCl solution.     

Chitosan selectivity for removing cadmium (II), copper (II), and lead (II) from aqueous phase: pH and organic matter effect

The aim of this study was to investigate the selectivity of chitosan for cadmium, copper and lead in the presence and absence of natural organic matter (NOM) in different pH solutions. Adsorption isotherms of one and three adsorbates at initial concentration of 5-100mg/L were carried out in batch reactors at pH 4, 5, or 7 and 25 degrees C in reactive and clarified water. The chitosan employed had a MW of 107.8 x 10(3)g/mol and degree of acetylation (DA) of 33.7%. The chitosan adsorption capacity at pH 4 in reactive water was 0.036, 0.016, 0.010mmol/g for Pb(2+), Cd(2+), and Cu(2+), respectively, and it decreased for Pb(2+) and Cd(2+) in clarified water. Conversely, experiments carried out in clarified water showed that the cadmium adsorption capacity of chitosan was enhanced about three times by the presence of NOM at pH 7: an adsorption mechanism was proposed. Furthermore, it was found that the biosorbent selectivity, in both reactive and clarified water at pH 4, was as follows Cu(2+)>Cd(2+)>Pb(2+). Finally, the preliminary desorption experiments of Cd(2+) conducted at pH 2 and 3 reported 68 and 44.8% of metal desorbed, which indicated that the adsorption mechanism occurred by electrostatic interactions and covalent bonds.     

Sorption of metal ions on lignite and the derived humic substances

The study presents results of sorption of metal ions (Pb2+, Zn2+, Cu2+, and Cd2+) onto lignite mined in South Moravia, Czech Republic, and solid humic substances (humin and humic acid) derived from it. The efficiency of these sorbents has been studied as a function of contact time, solution pH, and metal concentration. The sorption efficiencies were higher for humin and lower for humic acid samples than for the original lignite. With its high sorption capacities of several mmol/g, particularly for Pb2+ and Cd2+, the South Moravian lignite can provide a cheap source material for preparation of sorbents utilizable in removal of toxic metals from wastewaters.     

Adsorption characteristics of heavy metal ions onto a low cost biopolymeric sorbent from aqueous solutions

In this study, the adsorption conditions of Cu(II), Pb(II) and Cd(II) metal ions onto sporopollenin have been studied. The different variables effecting the sorption capacity such as pH of the solution, adsorption time, initial metal ion concentration and temperature have been investigated. Adsorption isotherms correlated well with the Freundlich type adsorption isotherm and adsorption capacities were found to be 0.0195, 0.0411 and 0.0146 mmol g(-1) for Cu(II), Pb(II) and Cd(II) metal ions, respectively. Experimental data were also evaluated to find out kinetic characteristics of the adsorption process. Adsorption processes for three target heavy metal ions were found to follow pseudo-second order type adsorption kinetics. Intraparticle diffusion was found to take part in adsorption processes but it could not be accepted as the primary rate-determining step. The mean free energies of adsorption (E) were found to be between 8 and 16 kJ mol(-1) for the metal ions studied and therefore adsorption mechanism for the adsorbent was explained as an ion-exchange process. But it was observed that chelating effect is also playing an important role in the adsorption of metal ions onto sporopollenin. Thermodynamic parameters, DeltaH degrees , DeltaS degrees and DeltaG degrees were also calculated from graphical interpretation of the experimental data. Standard heats of adsorption (DeltaH degrees ) were found to be endothermic and DeltaS degrees values were calculated to be positive for the adsorption of Cu(II), Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions onto the adsorbent. Negative DeltaG degrees values indicated that adsorption process for these three metal ions onto sporopollenin is spontaneous.     

共存离子对Bentonite/LS-g-AM-co-MAH吸附Pb~(2+)的影响

采用自制膨润土/木质素磺酸钠接枝丙烯酰胺-马来酸酐复合吸附树脂(Bentonite/LS-g-AM-co-MAH),研究了外加电解质中竞争阳离子与共存阴离子对Bentonite/LS-g-AM-co-MAH吸附Pb~(2+)的影响。结果表明:竞争阳离子Li~+、Na~+、K~+、Mg~(2+)、Ca~(2+)、Ni ~(2+)、Co~(2+)、Zn~(2+)、Cd~(2+)和Cu~(2+)抑制Pb~(2+)的吸附,抑制作用顺序为Cu~(2+)Cd~(2+)Zn~(2+)Co~(2+)Ni ~(2+)Ca~(2+)Mg~(2+)K~+Na~+Li~+;Fe~(3+)和Al~(3+)在pH=2.0~3.0时抑制Pb~(2+)的吸附,在pH=4.0~6.0时促进Pb~(2+)的吸附,两者的影响顺序为Fe~(3+)Al~(3+)。共存阴离子NO_3~-、Cl~-和Br~-抑制Pb~(2+)的吸附,抑制作用顺序为Br~-Cl~-NO_3~-;SO_4~(2-)和PO_4~(3-)有利于去除Pb~(2+),两者影响基本相同。     

Characteristics of equilibrium, kinetics studies for adsorption of Hg(II), Cu(II), and Ni(II) ions by thiourea-modified magnetic chitosan microspheres

Magnetic chitosan microspheres were prepared and chemically modified with thiourea (TMCS) for adsorption of metal ions. TMCS obtained were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), IR, magnetic properties and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The adsorption properties of TMCS toward Hg(2+), Cu(2+), and Ni(2+) ions were evaluated. Various factors affecting the uptake behavior such as contact time, temperature, pH and initial concentration of the metal ions were investigated. The kinetics was evaluated utilizing the pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and the intra-particle diffusion models. The equilibrium data were analyzed using the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Tempkin isotherm models. The adsorption kinetics followed the mechanism of the pseudo-second-order equation for all systems studied, evidencing chemical sorption as the rate-limiting step of adsorption mechanism and not involving a mass transfer in solution. The best interpretation for the equilibrium data was given by Langmuir isotherm, and the maximum adsorption capacities were 625.2, 66.7, and 15.3mg/g for Hg(2+), Cu(2+), and Ni(2+) ions, respectively. TMCS displayed higher adsorption capacity for Hg(2+) in all pH ranges studied. The adsorption capacity of the metal ions decreased with increasing temperature. The metal ion-loaded TMCS with were regenerated with an efficiency of greater than 88% using 0.01-0.1M ethylendiamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA).     

Biosorption of heavy metal ions on immobilized white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor

Trametes versicolor mycelia were immobilized in carboxymethylcellulose, CMC, beads via entrapment, and the bead containing immobilized fungus spores were incubated at 30 degrees C for 3 days to attain uniform growth on the bead surface. After incubation, the live and heat inactivated immobilized fungus on the CMC beads were used for the biosorption of Cu(2+), Pb(2+) and Zn(2+) ions.Plain CMC beads were used as a control system. The biosorption of Cu(2+), Pb(2+) and Zn(2+) ions by the CMC and both live and inactivated immobilized preparations increased as the initial concentration of Cu(2+), Pb(2+) and Zn(2+) ions in the medium increased. The maximum biosorption capacities for both immobilized live and heat inactivated Trametes versicolor were 1.51 and 1.84mmol Cu(2+), 0.85 and 1.11mmol Pb(2+) and 1.33 and 1.67mmol Zn(2+) per g of dry biosorbents, respectively. Biosorption equilibrium was established in about 1.0h and the equilibrium was well described by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. A temperature change in the range of 15-45 degrees C did not affect the biosorption capacity. The affect of pH was also investigated and the maximum adsorption of Cu(2+), Pb(2+) and Zn(2+) ions on the CMC and both live and inactivated immobilized fungal biomass was observed between pH 4.0 and 6.0. The CMC beads with the immobilized fungus can be regenerated using 10mM HCl, with up to 97% recovery of the metal ions; the biosorbents reused up to five biosorption-desorption cycles without any major loss in the biosorption capacity.     

Posidonia oceanica (L.) fibers as a potential low-cost adsorbent for the removal and recovery of orthophosphate

Adsorption efficiency of orthophosphate from aqueous solution onto Posidonia oceanica fibers (POF) as a raw, natural and abundant material was investigated and compared with other common natural materials. A series of batch tests were undertaken to assess the effect of the system variables, i.e. initial aqueous orthophosphate concentration, contact time, adsorbent dosage, pH and temperature. Results indicate that orthophosphate uptake increased with increasing initial orthophosphate concentration, temperature and adsorbent dosage and decreased with increasing pH values. The maximum adsorption capacity (Q(m)) determined from the Langmuir isotherm was calculated to be 7.45 mg g(-1) for the studied orthophosphates concentration range of 15-100 mg L(-1), pH 7; adsorbent dosage of 2 g L(-1) and temperature of 20±2°C. The adsorption data were very well described by the pseudo-second order model predicting a chemisorption process. The energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and FTIR analysis before and after adsorption of orthophosphate onto POF showed that the main involved mechanisms are ligand exchange between orthophosphate and Cl(-), SO(4)(2-) and OH(-) and precipitation with calcium. In comparison with other natural adsorbents, raw POF could be considered as one of the most efficient natural materials for the removal of orthophosphate with the possibility of agronomic reuse.