Hexavalent Chromium Uptake from Aqueous Solutions using Raw Biomass of the Invasive Brown Seaweed Sargassum muticum from the Moroccan Shorelines: Kinetics and Isotherms

Abstract

Raw biomass of the invasive Japanese brown seaweed Sargassum muticum, recently introduced to the Atlantic coast of Morocco, has been applied for the removal of hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. Various parameters such as biomass dose, initial pH, contact time and initial Cr(VI) concentration were studied to reveal their effects on the biosorption process. At optimum values of the above mentioned parameters, total removal of Cr(VI) can be achieved within 10 min at pH 2, adsorbent dose of 0.5 g/100 mL for initial chromium ions concentration of 50 mg/L. Cr(VI) biosorption follows pseudo second-order kinetics. Adsorption isotherms were determined at room temperature and the experimental data were modelled with the Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm equations. The isotherm data were found to be well fitted by linear Langmuir equation. The maximum sorption capacity calculated from Langmuir isotherm was estimated to be about 143 mg per gram of dry biosorbent. Thus, the biomass used in this study can be considered a promising and valuable natural adsorbent for the treatment of aqueous solution containing toxic hexavalent chromium ions.