Removal of nickel ions on residue of alginate extraction from Sargassum filipendula seaweed in packed bed

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe residue of the alginate extraction, which has been shown as a good alternative material in the removal of toxic metals from industrial wastewater, is little explored as a biosorbent material. This study evaluated the removal of nickel ion in a fixed bed onto the residue of alginate extraction from Sargassum filipendula seaweed. The biosorption process in a dynamic fixed‐bed system evaluated the influence of flow rate and feed concentration, by mass transfer zone (MTZ) and the total removal percentage (%Remt). In order to assess the metal recovery potential and the lifetime of the column, two cycles of adsorption/desorption were performed. The continuous adsorption process was simulated using different dynamic models such as Bohart and Adams, Clark, Thomas, Yan et al., and Yoon and Nelson models. The best predictive model was Yan et al. Techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X‐ray (SEM‐EDX), helium gas picnometry, mercury porosimetry, and N2 physisorption (BET) were performed in order to compare the residue before adsorption with the material after the process. The results showed that the residue can be used to treat toxic metal contaminated effluents by biosorption processes efficiently.