Abstract
Post-production waste generated in the brewing industry was used to analyze the possibility of Cd(II) ion recovery in biosorption processes. Brewer’s grains (BG), which are waste products from beer manufacturing processes, are a promising material that can be reused for biosorption. The biomass contains appropriate functional groups from fats, proteins, raw fibers, amino acids, carbohydrates and starch, showing a strong affinity for binding metal ions and their removal from wastewater. The biosorbent material was characterized by several research methods, such as particle size distribution, elemental composition and mapping using SEM-EDX analysis, specific surface area and pore volume (BET, BJH), thermogravimetry, electrokinetic zeta potential, SEM morphology and FT-IR spectrometry. Initial and equilibrium pH, adsorbent dosage, initial metal concentration and contact time were parameters examined in the research. The highest biosorption efficiency was obtained at a level of 93.9%. Kinetics analysis of the processes and sorption isotherms were also carried out. Based on the conducted experiments, it was found that this material has binding properties in relation to Cd(II) ions and can be used for wastewater treatment purposes, being a low-cost biosorbent. This research studies are in line with current global trends of circular and sustainable economies.
Highlights
Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most toxic and harmful metals
Water quality requirements are specified in the Regulation of the Minister of Health on the quality of water intended for human consumption [12]
Biosorbent dosage, initial concentration of Cd(II) ions, initial pH and contact time were factors examined in terms of their influence on biosorption
Summary
Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most toxic and harmful metals. It exists naturally in water, air, soils and foodstuffs. Cadmium is released into the environment as a result of many industrial processes, such as production of alloy, cadmium-nickel batteries, pesticides, fertilizers, plastics, pigments and dyes, smelting, electroplating, mining, refining and textile operations [1,2,3]. Cadmium has toxic properties in relation to living organisms and is a problem for the environment and food chain when it is present in excess amounts. The World Health Organisation recommends the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of Cd(II) in drinking water at up to 0.005 mg/L [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
