Packed-bed columns with dye-affinity microbeads for removal of heavy metal ions from aquatic systems

A dye ligand Cibacron Blue F3GA, was covalently coupled with polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate (PHEMA) microbeads in the 150–200 μm particle size range. The sorbent carrying 22.3 μmol Cibacron Blue F3GA per gram of polymer was then used to remove Pb(II), Cd(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) from aqueous solutions in a packed-bed column system. Heavy metal ion adsorption capacity of the column was investigated as a function of heavy metal ion-bearing solution flow rate and the inlet heavy metal ion concentration. The maximum metal ion uptake values found were: 80.60, 96.98, 78.36, 103.98 μmol/g polymer for Pb(II), Cd(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II), respectively. The heavy metal adsorption capacity of the microbeads decreased with an increase in the circulation rate of aqueous solution. The order of affinity based on molar uptake was Zn(II)>Cd(II)>Pb(II)>Cu(II). Removal percentages of heavy metals related to flow time were determined for different flow rates and initial metal ion concentrations. It was observed that PHEMA microbeads carrying Cibacron Blue F3GA can be regenerated by washing with a solution of nitric acid (0.05 M). The desorption ratio was as high as 98.5%.