Sorption and desorption of cadmium and lead on pectin-based biosorbents – batch and column studies

Abstract

ABSTRACT The hybrid pectin-based beads containing carob, gellan and xanthan gum were studied to be suitable for removing the Cd(II) and Pb(II) from aqueous solution in column system. Desorption of the ions from studied materials was also determined in batch and continuous studies. It was possible to remove the Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions from solution of concentration ca. 130 and 250 mg/L, respectively, to the level permissible by law. Both ions may be completely removed from our biosorbents using mineral acid solutions (confirmed by mass balance). The minimal lifetime of sorbent was also determined to be at least 10 cycles.