Batch and fixed-bed column studies of selenite removal from contaminated water by orange peel-based sorbent

Abstract

Orange peel is a biomass derived from citrus processing with desirable properties for metal sorption. In recent years, orange peel has been used to remove various heavy metals and toxic oxyanions. Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for mammals. However, when the concentration of selenium exceeds an umbral limit, it becomes toxic. In this study, orange peel was used to treat Se(IV)-contaminated water. A high sorption capacity of 32.5 mg/g was obtained at a temperature of 20°C and a pH of 2.0. Hydroxyl groups bound Se(IV) to the surface of the orange peel. The sorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. A chemical sorption mechanism was involved in the removal of Se(IV). The Thomas and modified dose-response models were used to simulate the experimental breakthrough curves. The bed depth service time model was used to calculate the critical bed depth (Z0), and the calculated Z0 value was 1.6 cm. This study reveals that orange peel is a useful sorbent for Se(IV), and can be used for the purification of Se(IV)-contaminated water.