Efficient biosorption of a reactive dye from contaminated media by Neurospora sitophila cells—Zea mays silk tissue biomass system

BACKGROUND: A filamentous fungus Neurospora sitophila was immobilized in Zea mays silk tissue and the prepared system was employed as a new biosorbent for the treatment of reactive dye contaminated solutions. RESULTS: Decolorization potential of the biosorbent system was investigated in batch and continuous mode operations. Design parameters such as pH, biomass dosage, contact time, temperature, dye concentration and flow rate were investigated. Batch mode equilibrium data were analyzed kinetically to determine the rate constants. The process followed the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. The thermodynamics of the biosorption indicated the spontaneous and endothermic nature of the process. Biosorption was well described by the Langmuir isotherm model, with a maximum monolayer biosorption capacity of 105.33 mg g^?1. Relatively good dynamic flow decolorization potential was observed for the biosorbent system in synthetic and real wastewater conditions. Flow mode regeneration studies over ten consecutive cycles indicated that the suggested biosorbent maintained consistently high biosorption yield, above 70%. The possible dye‐biosorbent interaction mechanism was also confirmed by zeta potential, FTIR, SEM and EDX analysis. CONCLUSION: High biosorption capacity and regeneration potential suggest that the new biosorbent system can be used as an alternative and low‐cost biomaterial for the treatment of reactive dye contaminated solutions. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Biosorption of a Basic Dye from Aqueous Solutions by Euphorbia rigida

Abstract

In this study, the biosorption of Basic Blue 9 (BB9) dye from aqueous solutions onto a biomass of Euphorbia rigida was examined by means of the initial biosorbate concentration, biosorbent amount, particle size, and pH. Biosorption of BB9 onto E. rigida increases with both the initial biosorbate concentration and biosorbent amount, whereas decreases with the increasing particle size. The experimental data indicated that the biosorption isotherms are well‐described by the Langmuir equilibrium isotherm equation at 20, 30, and 40°C. Maximum biosorption capacity was 3.28×10^?4 mol g^?1 at 40°C. The biosorption kinetics of BB9 obeys the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. The thermodynamic parameters such as ΔG°, ΔH° and ΔS° were calculated to estimate the nature of biosorption. These experimental results have indicated that E. rigida has the potential to act as a biosorbent for the removal of Basic Blue 9 from aqueous solutions.     

Equilibrium,Kinetic, and Thermodynamic Studies on the Biosorption of Selenium (IV) Ions onto Ganoderma Lucidum Biomass

The capacity of Ganoderma lucidum biomass for biosorption of selenium (IV) ions from aqueous solution was studied in a batch mode. In this study the effects of operating parameters such as solution pH, adsorbent dosage, initial metal concentration, contact time, and temperature were investigated. The adsorption capacity of G. lucidum was found to be 126.99 mg g^?1. The biosorption follows pseudo-first order kinetics and the isotherms fit well to both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. Isotherms have been used to determine thermodynamic parameters of the process, that is, free energy, enthalpy, and entropy changes. Furthermore, the biosorbent was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and FT-IR analysis. FT-IR analysis of fungal biomass shows the presence of amino, carboxyl, hydroxyl, and carbonyl groups, which were responsible for the biosorption of selenium(IV) ions. The results indicated that the biomass of G. lucidum is an efficient biosorbent for the removal of selenium (IV) ions from aqueous solutions.     

Effect of pre‐treatments on the biosorption of Chromium (VI) ions by the dead biomass of Rhizopus arrhizus

BACKGROUND: This work fulfils the need to develop an eco‐friendly biosorbent, elucidating the mechanism of biosorption. Removal of Cr(VI) by Rhizopus arrhizus was investigated in batch mode. Enhancement in the performance of the biosorbent was attempted by pre‐treating the biomass with inorganic and organic acids, chelating agent, cross‐linker and an organic solvent followed by autoclaving. The surface characterization of the biomass was carried out by potentiometric titration, surface area analysis, infrared spectroscopy, chemical modification of the biomass and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: All the physico‐chemical treatments of the biosorbent improved Cr(VI) uptake compared with the native biomass (21.72 mg g^?1). The highest biosorption capacity (31.52 mg g^?1) was achieved after pre‐treating the biomass with 0.5 mol L^?1 HNO₃ followed by autoclaving. Surface characterization of the biomass using pH_zpc, potentiometry and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis revealed the role of amino and carboxyl groups in Cr(VI) removal by electrostatic attraction. Chemical modification of amino and carboxyl groups significantly decreased Cr(VI) uptake capacity confirming their role in biosorption. SEM analysis showed adsorption of Cr(VI) on the biosorbent surface. CONCLUSION: Rhizopus arrhizus biomass proved to be an effective and low cost alternative biosorbent for removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Diffusion kinetic study of cadmium(II) biosorption by Aeromonas caviae

The removal of cadmium from aqueous solution by sorption on Aeromonas caviae particles was investigated in a well‐stirred batch reactor. Equilibrium and kinetic experiments were performed at various initial bulk concentrations, biomass loads and temperatures. Biosorption equilibrium was established in about 1 h and biosorption was well described by the Langmuir and Freundlich biosorption isotherms. The maximum biosorption capacity was found as 155.32 mg Cd(II) g^?1 at 20 °C. The obtained sorption capacity is appreciably high for most experimental conditions; so A caviae may be considered as a suitable biosorbent for the removal of cadmium. Moreover, the sorption rate of cadmium onto A caviae particles was particularly sensitive to initial bulk concentration and solid load. A detailed analysis was conducted, examining several diffusion (external and intraparticle) kinetic models in order to identify a suitable rate expression. The results are discussed and indicate that biosorption of cadmium is a complex process that is described more correctly by more than one model. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Batch and continuous (fixed-bed column) biosorption of Cu(II) by Tamarindus indica fruit shell

The feasibility of employing Tamarindus indica (tamarind) fruit shell (TFS) as low-cost biosorbent for removal of Cu(II) from aqueous solutions was investigated. Batch experiments were carried out as function of initial solution pH (2–7), contact time (10–240 min), initial Cu(II) concentration (20–100 mg L^?1), biosorbent dose (0.5–5 g) and temperature (293–313 K). Biosorption equilibrium data were well described by the Langmuir isotherm model with maximum biosorption capacity of 80.01 mg g^?1 at 313 K. Biosorption of Cu(II) followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. Gibbs free energy (ΔG⁰) was spontaneous for all interactions, and the biosorption process exhibited endothermic enthalpy values. To ascertain the practical applicability of the biosorbent, fixed-bed column studies were also performed. The breakthrough time increased with increasing bed height and decreased with increasing flow rate. The Thomas model as well as the Bed Depth Service Time (BDST) model was fitted to the dynamic flow experimental data to determine the column kinetic parameters useful for designing large-scale column studies. The Thomas model showed good agreement with the experimental results at all the process parameters studied. It could be concluded that TFS may be used as an inexpensive and effective biosorbent without any treatment or any other modification for the removal of Cu(II) ions from aqueous solutions.     

Biosorption of Lead by Immobilized Biomass of Brevundimonas vesicularis: Batch and Column Studies

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of a strategy to remove lead [Pb(II)] from aqueous waste using Brevundimonas vesicularis, a bacterial species isolated from contaminated soil. Batch studies were conducted using free and immobilized biomass and the optimum conditions for removal of lead from solutions were determined. The maximum specific lead uptake of the dry biomass was found to be 12.4 mg g^?1. Column study was conducted using immobilized biomass and the maximum specific lead uptake was 74.8 mg g^?1. It is concluded that Brevundimonas vesicularis is a promising biosorbent to remove lead from contaminated wastewater.     

Biosorption of Direct Red 28 (Congo Red) from Aqueous Solutions by Eggshells: Batch and Column Studies

The feasibility of using eggshells as a low-cost biosorbent for the removal of Direct Red 28 (DR 28) from aqueous solutions was studied in batch and dynamic flow modes of operation. The effect of biosorption process variables such as particle size, solution pH, initial dye concentration, contact time, temperature, feed flow rate, and bed height were investigated. Both the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models exhibited excellent fit to the equilibrium biosorption data. Optimum pH (6.0), particle size (<250 µm), initial dye concentration (50 mg g^?1), temperature (313 K), and contact time (240 min) gave maximum monolayer biosorption capacity of 69.45 mg g^?1 which was higher than those of many sorbent materials. Pseudo-second-order kinetic model depicted the biosorption kinetics accurately. Thermodynamic study confirmed the spontaneous and endothermic nature of the biosorption process. Breakthrough time increased with increase in the bed height but decreased with increase in flow rate. Overall, batch and continuous mode data suggest the applicability of eggshells as an environment friendly and efficient biosorbent for removal of DR 28 from aqueous media.     

Biosorption of thorium from aqueous solution by Ca-pretreated brown algae Cystoseira indica

The potential use of a biosorbent, Cystoseira indica, obtained from the Persian Gulf was investigated for the removal of Th (IV) ions from aqueous solutions by considering equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic aspects. The FT-IR spectra of unloaded and Th-loaded biomass indicated various functionalities on the biomass surface including hydroxyl, amide and carboxyl groups, which are responsible for the binding of thorium ions. Th (IV) uptake by C. indica was pH dependent. An increase in biosorbent dosage up to 1 g/L caused an increase in the Th (IV) percentage removal. Biosorption process at all studied initial Th (IV) ion concentrations follows the pseudo-second order kinetic model. The biosorption data could be well described by Redlich-Peterson isotherm in comparison to Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The maximum sorption capacity of Th (IV) by Langmuir isotherm was estimated to be 169.49 mg/g at 45 °C with pH of 3. The thermodynamic parameters indicated the biosorption of Th on the biomass was a feasible, spontaneous and endothermic process. Th sorption capacity remained unaffected or slightly affected (<10% inhibition) in the presence of several interfering ions such as uranium (VI), nickel (II) and copper (II). The reusability of the biomass was also determined after five sorption-desorption cycles.     

Sorptive removal and recovery of nickel(II) from an actual effluent of electroplating industry: Comparison between <Emphasis Type="Italic">Escherichia coli</Emphasis> biosorbent and Amberlite ion exchange resin

The removal and recovery of nickel(II) from wastewater of an electroplating factory was investigated using the waste Escherichia coli biomass as the biosorbent. The results were compared with those from using Amberlite IRN-150 as a commercial sorbent resin. The resin showed better performance with a q _max value of 30.48 mg/g compared to 26.45 mg/g for the biomass, as predicted by the Langmuir isotherm model. Kinetic experiments revealed that the biosorption equilibrium was attained within 15 min. In the recycling of the sorbents, the desorption of nickel(II) from Amberlite was only 50%, which is too low for the adsorption performance of the resin to be maintained at an economic level in subsequent cycles. In contrast, the biomass exhibited reasonable adsorption-desorption performance over three repeated cycles. The capability for repeated use of the sorbent over several cycles and for recovery of the metal ions is the main advantage of the waste biomass.     

Equilibrium,Thermodynamic and Kinetic Studies on Biosorption of Mercury from Aqueous Solution by Macrofungus (Lycoperdon perlatum) Biomass

The present research is to investigate the possibility of macrofungus Lycoperdon perlatum biomass, which is an easily available, renewable plant, low-cost, as a new biomass for the removal of mercury (Hg(II)) ions from aqueous solutions. The effects of various parameters like pH of solution, biomass concentration, contact time, and temperature were studied by the using the batch method. The Langmuir model adequately described the equilibrium data. The biosorption capacity of the biomass was found to be 107.4 mg · g^?1 at pH 6. The mean free energy value (10.9 kJ · mol^?1) obtained from the D–R model indicated that the biosorption of Hg(II) onto fungal biomass was taken place via chemical ion-exchange. Thermodynamic parameters showed that the biosorption of Hg(II) onto L. perlatum biomass was feasible, spontaneous, and exothermic in nature. The kinetic results showed that the biosorption of Hg(II) onto fungal biomass followed second-order kinetics. This work also shows that L. perlatum biomass can be an alternative to the expensive materials like ion exchange resins and activated carbon for the treatment of water and wastewater containing mercury ions due to its ability of selectivity and higher biosorption capacity and also being low cost material.     

Biosorption of lac dye by the red marine alga Gracilaria tenuistipitata: biosorption kinetics,isotherms, and thermodynamic parameters

The hypothesis that the dried, ground biomass of the red marine alga Gracilaria tenuistipitata could be used for the efficient removal of lac dye from aqueous solution was assessed in this work. The effects of parameters such as initial pH, biosorbent dosage, contact time, initial dye concentration, and temperature on the biosorption capacity of the dye were investigated. Equilibrium data were analysed using Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherm models, and the Freundlich model provided the highest coefficient of determination values. Biosorption kinetic data were successfully described with a pseudo‐second‐order model at initial dye concentrations of 50, 80, 100, and 120 mg l^?1. The thermodynamic parameters of biosorption – enthalpy change (?H° = ?30.64 kJ mol^?1), free energy change (?G° = 4.32 kJ mol^?1 at 303 K to 7.78 kJ mol^?1 at 333 K), and entropy change (?S° = ?115.38 J mol^?1 K^?1) – were determined. The negative value of the enthalpy change and positive values of the free energy change indicate that the biosorption process is exothermic and non‐spontaneous. The negative value of the entropy change is consistent with decreased randomness at the solid–liquid interface with dye biosorption. Attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis confirmed the presence of lac dye on the G. tenuistipitata material. The efficiency of lac dye removal by this biomass material at 20 g l^?1 and with an initial dye concentration of 50 mg l^?1 in acidic solution was 71%, which indicated its potential usefulness as a new dye biosorbent.     

Zinc (II) ion recovery by biosorption onto powdered waste sludge (PWS): effects of operating conditions

Powdered waste sludge (PWS) obtained from a paint industry wastewater treatment plant and pretreated with 1% H₂O₂ was used for biosorption of Zn(II) ions from aqueous solution. The effects of operating conditions, pH, temperature, agitation speed, PWS particle size, Zn ion and PWS concentrations on the extent of Zn ion biosorption were investigated in batch experiments. The optimum pH resulting in maximum Zn ion biosorption was found to be pH = 5, since Zn ions precipitated in the form of Zn(OH)₂ at pH levels above 5. The rate and extent of Zn ion biosorption increased with temperature between 25 and 50 °C, although biosorption was not strongly sensitive to temperature variations since the activation energy was low at 4.5 kcal mol^?1. Biosorbent particle size had a significant effect on Zn ion biosorption, yielding high percentage Zn removals at small particle sizes (D_p < 100 µm) or large surface areas of PWS. Agitation speed also considerably affected the extent of Zn ion removal, and should be above 150 rpm in order to obtain a high rate. The extent of Zn ion biosorption was also affected by the initial Zn ion and PWS concentrations. At constant biosorbent (PWS) concentration, percentage Zn ion removal decreased, but the biosorbed Zn concentration increased with increasing initial Zn ion concentrations. However, at constant initial Zn concentrations, percentage Zn removal increased, but the biosorbed Zn ion concentration decreased with increasing adsorbent (PWS) concentration. With a maximum Zn ion biosorption capacity of 168 mg g^?1 powdered waste sludge was proven to be an effective biosorbent compared to other biosorbents. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Biosorption of methylene blue from aqueous solution by softstem bulrush (Scirpus tabernaemontani Gmel.)

BACKGROUND: The removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution was studied using softstem bulrush (Scirpus tabernaemontani Gmel.) as the biosorbent. The effects of various parameters including contact time, biosorbent dosage, ionic strength and solution pH on the biosorption were investigated. RESULTS: The sorption capacity increased with an increase in biosorbent dosage and a decrease in ionic strength. The equilibrium time was found to be 240 min for full equilibration. Pseudo‐first‐order, pseudo‐second‐order, Bangham equation and intraparticle diffusion models were applied to fit the kinetic data, and the results showed that the sorption process followed the pseudo‐second‐order model. Equilibrium data conformed to Langmuir and Redlich–Peterson isotherm models, with a maximum monolayer biosorption capacity of 53.8 mg g^?1 for the Langmuir isotherm at 18 °C. The value of ΔG was estimated to be ? 29.24 kJ mol^?1, indicating the spontaneous nature of the biosorption. The biosorption process was strongly pH‐dependent and favourable at alkaline pH. CONCLUSION: Softstem bulrush, which is readily available and inexpensive, could be employed as a promising biosorbent for the removal of dye. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Biosorption of Zn(II) by orange waste in batch and packed‐bed systems

BACKGROUND: This research provides new insights into the biosorption of zinc on a waste product from the orange juice industry. Optimal operating conditions maximizing percentage zinc removal were determined in batch and fixed‐bed systems. Biomass was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy and by major cation content in order to better understand the biosorpion mechanism. Zn‐loaded orange waste was proposed to be used as an alternative fuel in cement kilns. RESULTS: Sorption capacity was strongly affected by biosorbent dose and solution pH, and was not strongly sensitive to particle size under the experimental conditions studied. Equilibrium data were successfully described by a Langmuir model and sorption kinetic data were adequately modelled with the pseudo‐second‐order and Elovich rate equation. The biomass was found to possess high sorption capacity (q_max = 0.664 mmol g^?1) and biosorption equilibrium was established in less than 3 h. Experimental breakthrough curves were adequately fitted to the Thomas model and the dose–response model, obtaining sorption capacities in continuous assays higher than those found in batch mode. Characterization of the biomass suggested the possible contribution of carboxyl and hydroxyl groups of biomass in Zn²⁺ biosorption and it also highlighted the important role of light metal ions in a possible ion‐exchange mechanism. CONCLUSIONS: Orange waste could be used as an effective and low‐cost alternative biosorbent material for zinc removal from aqueous solution. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Biosorption of chromium (VI) from aqueous solution by seed powder of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus indica L.) fruits

ABSTRACT

The solid residue of the cold press oil extraction from prickly pear (Opuntia ficus indica L.) fruit seeds was evaluated as a low-cost biosorbent for biosorption of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. Batch experiments were conducted as a function of initial pH, contact time, biosorbent dose, initial Cr(VI) concentration, and temperature. Biosorption was highly pH-dependent and found to be maximum at pH 1.0. Langmuir and Freundlich equations fitted very well with experimental data. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity was 19.61 mg/g at 298 K and pH 1.0. Biosorption kinetics was controlled by the pseudo-second-order model. Thermodynamic parameters indicated that biosorption of Cr(VI) was a spontaneous, favorable and endothermic process. The activation energy was found to be 40.68 kJ.mol^?1.     

Modeling uranium biosorption by Cystoseira sp. and application studies

The aim of the present work was to determine the applicability of raw and modified brown macroalga Cystoseira sp. as a biosorbent material for the sorption of uranium ions from aqueous solutions. Equilibrium of uranium biosorption was analyzed under isotherm models and thermodynamic parameters of the process. Recovery of uranium from acidic mine wastewater was also applied. The mechanism of biosorption was discussed considering experimental data and theoretical models. The bioremoval efficiency of modified biomass was higher than raw Cystoseira sp. and the theoretical biosorption capacity of modified biosorbent was calculated to be 468.01 mg U/g.     

Application of tobacco hairy roots for the removal of malachite green from aqueous solutions: Experimental design,kinetic, equilibrium,and thermodynamic studies

Tobacco hairy roots (THR) were used to evaluate its potential for the biosorption and removal of malachite green (MG) from aqueous solutions. A 3² full factorial design was applied to study the effects of pH and THR concentration on the biosorption capacity. Under the optimal conditions (pH of 7.0 and THR concentration of 1?g?L^?1), dye removal efficiency was around 92%. Experimental data obtained from kinetic studies demonstrated good concordance with the pseudo-second-order model. Equilibrium studies were developed and the data were evaluated by Langmuir, Freundlich, and Sips models, being the Sips model the most adequate (maximum biosorption capacity of 277.2?mg?g^?1). Thermodynamically, the biosorption of MG on THR proved to be endothermic, spontaneous, and favorable. Desorption was feasible under acidic conditions and the biosorbent could be reused three times. THR was tested in simulated effluent and the removal percentage was 87%, demonstrating that this material is a promising biosorbent which can be used to treat colored wastewaters.     

Ni(ll) biosorption by Rhizopus arrhizus Env 3: the study of important parameters in biomass biosorption

BACKGROUND: The removal of toxic metals from wastewaters by biosorption, based on the metal‐binding capacities of various biological materials, has attracted much interest. However, the success of this approach depends on economic feasibility, which can be obtained by optimisation of the environmental conditions. In this study, Ni(II) biosorption experiments were carried out using a preformed biomass of Rhizopus arrhizus. A pure culture of previously isolated R. arrhizus Env 3 was used for maximum biosorption of nickel metal from nickel‐electroplating industrial effluent. RESULTS: Various environmental factors such as nickel concentration, pH, temperature, mycelial pellet weight, pretreatment of fungal biomass, dead and living fungal biomass and time course of biosorption by R. arrhizus Env 3 were optimised for maximum removal of nickel from the effluent. The maximum nickel removal rate of 618.5 mg g^?1 was observed with living biomass at pH 8, temperature 35 °C, nickel concentration 500 mg L^?1, pellet size 3 g wet weight and shaker velocity 150 rpm. Maximum nickel biosorption was obtained after 72 h. CONCLUSION: Statistical analysis of different factors such as temperature, pH, mycelial pellet size, concentration of nickel in effluent and residual nickel level showed that all these factors had significant effects on the biosorption of nickel metal by R. arrhizus Env 3 from nickel‐electroplating industrial effluent. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Use of polyvinyl alcohol as a cell immobilization matrix for copper biosorption by yeast cells

Although polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) gel has been used as a carrier for immobilized cells and enzymes, its use as an immobilization matrix for inactivated cells for biosorption studies has not been reported. In this study, we have demonstrated that the PVA matrix showed very favourable performance, vis‐à‐vis good physical and chemical properties, and a low mass transfer resistance. The PVA matrix showed negligible effect on the uptake capacity of the inactivated yeast used as the biosorbent. Biosorption equilibrium showed that the specific copper uptake of the biomass increased with an increase in the initial copper concentration, and decreased with an increase in biomass loading. The equilibrium was well described by Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms. Temperature over the range of 10–50 °C had little effect on the biomass biosorption capacity, while pH showed significant effect. The PVA–yeast beads could be regenerated using 10 mmol dm⁻³ HCl, with up to 100% recovery, and the beads reused in five biosorption–desorption cycles with negligible decrease in the biosorption capacity. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry