Modeling and utilization of laurel leaves as a biomass source for the removal of zinc and copper

Abstract

One of the most important non-timber forest products in Turkey, medicinal and aromatic plants, especially in the last century have become important socio-economic values. The biosorbent used in this study was prepared from Laurus nobilis L. leaves (LNL). The effects of biosorbent dosage, biosorption time, solution pH, initial zinc and copper ions concentration, humic acid or ionic strength or competitive effects on the biosorption of copper and zinc by LNL were investigated. The LNL biomass was characterized using SEM and FT-IR spectrum. The linearized and non-linearized isotherm models were compared and discussed. Zn(II) and Cu(II) biosorption fitted better in the Temkin equation and Pseudo second-order kinetic model successfully described the biomass behaviors of both heavy metals. Additionally, a single-stage batch bioreactor system for heavy metal biosorption based on the best fit non-linear isotherm equation also has been presented. It was found that heavy metal removal efficiencies were affected by competitive biosorption studies. Finally, these studies showed that the LNL can be used as an inexpensive and abundant biosorbent for removing zinc and copper ions from contaminated waters.