Kinetic and equilibrium study of uranium(VI) adsorption by Bacillus licheniformis

Abstract

Uranium pollution is a severe problem worldwide. Biosorption has been proposed as one of the most promising technologies for the removal of uranyl cations. Here we report on the adsorption behavior of uranium(VI) [U(VI)] on Bacillus licheniformis biomass to explore the potentiality of its application in uranium contamination control. The adsorption equilibrium, adsorption kinetics, and effects of temperature, pH and initial biosorbent dosage on the adsorption equilibrium were investigated in detail through batch experiments. The adsorption process is pronouncedly affected by the solution pH and the optimum pH range should be 4.5–5.0. Temperature range from 25 to 45 °C has a certain effect on the rate of biosorption, but little effect on the equilibrium adsorption capacity. The U(VI) percentage removal increased concurrently with increasing biomass dosage, whereas the adsorption capacity decreased. The process follows the Langmuir isotherm model. The adsorption kinetics data were fitted very well by the pseudo-first-order rate model. Finally, the calculation results of thermodynamic constant (∆G < 0) and kinetic constant (Ea = 9.98 kJ/mol) reveal that the adsorption process can be identified as a spontaneous chemical process. The present results suggest that B. licheniformis has considerable potential for the removal of uranyl from aqueous solution.