Biosorbent Mass Research Articles

Absorption Activity of Cassava Peel (Manihot utilissima) as Chromium (VI) Metal Biosorbent in Electroplating Waste

Electroplating is a process of metal veneering with another metal using the electric energy. The water waste of electroplating industry contains many kinds of heavy metal ions, especially chromium (VI) which might cause pollutions if it was not processed and it presents above the threshold allowed. The use of cellulose can be a solution, because it has the functional groups which form bonding with the metal ions. Cassava peel is one of the sources of cellulose which contains 80-85% of cellulose. This proves that cassava peel (Manihot utilissimaI) has the potential as the heavy metal biosorbent of chromium metal in electroplating waste. The methodology of the research is conducted in a series including analysis of heavy metal concentrations of chromium (VI) in electroplating waste. Biosorption treatment of cassava peel (Manihot utilissimaI) biosorbent activated by HNO 3 1.5 M in electroplating waste conducted in the batch method. Analysis of heavy metal concentrations of chromium (VI) in electroplating waste was performed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) after biosorbtion process. Variation of biosorbent mass were (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5) grams, and variation of biosorbent contact time were (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) minutes. The analysis result recorded by AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry) showed that the level of total chromium in electroplating waste reaches 2.0777 ± 0.2785 ppm. Accordingly, the chromium test solution used in this research was 2 ppm to measure the optimum conditions of % chromium (VI) adsorbed with variation of mass and contact time. From the results of this research, the optimum mass and contact time of cassava peel biosorbent activated by HNO 3 1.5 M in % chromium (VI) adsorbed were 0.1 gram and 40 minutes, respectively. Finally, the optimum mass and contact time of cassava peel biosorbent activated by HNO 3 1.5 M has applied to electroplating waste. The % chromium adsorbed in electroplating waste with the addition of cassava peel biosorbent activated by HNO 3 1.5 M was measured in average of 61.72%.

Preparation and Characterisation of Biosorbent from Local Robusta Spent Coffee Grounds for Heavy Metal Adsorption

In this study, the removal of lead heavy metal pollutants from artificially lead-contaminated water was carried out using biosorbent prepared from local Robusta spent coffee grounds. The effects of temperature of carbonisation and concentration of HCl solution as activating agent on biosorbent characteristics and lead- adsorption capabilities were investigated. Characterisation of the resulting biosorbent included functional groups by Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectrophotometer (FTIR) and morphological properties by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Lead-adsorption capabilities were studied using a synthetic wastewater containing 50 ppm of lead. All adsorption processes were carried out for 30 min at room temperature with the ratio of spent coffee grounds biosorbent mass to lead solution volume of 1:10. Concentrations of lead solution before and after adsorption were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Result showed that fixed carbon content of biosorbent prepared from spent local-coffee grounds was 97.1 %, it is fulfilled the requirement of Standar Industri Indonesia (SII) as potential activated carbon. Carbonisation and activation processes have altered the functional groups of spent coffee grounds. The prepared biosorbent showed a rougher and more porous surface morphology following the treatments. Adsorption process using spent coffee grounds biosorbent carbonised at 400 °C and activated using 0.2 M HCl solution gave the highest lead-removal percentage of 51.6% and adsorption capacity of 8.6683 mg/g.

The development of a magnetically operated biosorbent based on the yeast saccharomyces cerevisiae for removing copper cations Cu2+

The study has revealed that the process of obtaining a magnetically operated biosorbent depends on the medium pH, the strength of the permanent magnetic field of the installation for multivortical MHD stirring, the ratio of the mass of the nanosized magnetite to the yeast S. cerevisiae, and the process duration. The isotherms of copper cations sorption by magnetically operated biosorbents were obtained depending on the production duration. Tests were conducted to determine the magnetic susceptibility of the magnetically operated biosorbents. The experiment results provide conclusions on the optimal parameters of the magnetically operated biosorbent production in terms of biosorption characteristics. The study has disclosed an optimal magnetically operated biosorbent of copper cations based on the yeast S. cerevisiae under the following parameters of the production process: the external permanent magnetic field – 240 kA/m, the medium pH=2.5 with adding nitric acid according to previous studies, the ratio of the magnetite Fe 3 O 4 to the yeast biomass – 1 % w/w, the duration of preparing the sorbent – 2 minutes, and the maximum sorption capacity – 25.5±0.5 mg Cu 2+ /g of the biosorbent dry mass. The conducted tests have proved an opportunity to make biosorption by the yeast S. cerevisiae, and it is possible to remove the waste biosorbent by high gradient magnetic separation. The optimal conditions of production and the effectiveness of both the sorption capacity and the magnetic susceptibility make it possible to develop an efficient technology of wastewater cleaning from heavy metal cations.

<b>Biosorption of Cu (II) and Zn (II) with açaí endocarp <i>Euterpe oleracea</i> M. in contaminated aqueous solution

Current analysis investigates the capacity of the acai endocarp ( Euterpe oleracea M.) as a biosorbent for the removal of Cu 2+ and Zn 2+ in monoelementary water solutions. The best conditions for the ion adsorption process were pH of the solution at 4.0; 8 g L -1 of the biosorbent mass per volume of solution; best equilibrium time at 60 min. The application of kinetic models suggests that chemosorption may be the main limiting stage for metal ion adsorption. In the case of adsorption isotherms, Langmuir´s model had the best adjustment for biosorption and indicated adsorption in monolayers. A strong interaction of metals with the surface of the adsorbent was indicated due to low elution rates. Thermodynamic parameters showed that the biosorption process was spontaneous and endothermal. Results demonstrated that the use of the acai endocarp as biosorbent is an alternative for the remediation of Cu 2+ and Zn 2+ contaminated waters since it is a natural, low-cost and highly available material.

Biosorption of Ni(II) by Fig Male: Optimization and Modeling Using a Full Factorial Design.

The fig male (FM) is successfully used as biosorbent for Ni(2+) removal. The maximum removal efficiency (96.6%) is obtained at pH ~ 5 for a concentration of 1.70 mmol L(-1) and catalyst dose of 5 g L(-1) in less than 10 minutes. The Ni(2+) uptake follows a pseudo-second-order kinetic, the rate constants increase with increasing temperature, and an activation energy of 55.48 kJ mol(-1) is found. The thermodynamic parameters indicate a spontaneous endothermic bisorption. The isotherm data are fitted by the Langmuir and Dubinin-Radushkevich models. The former indicates a maximum Ni(2+) uptake of 0.459 mmol g(-1), which is higher than that of most biosorbents investigated to date. The FTIR spectra reveal the biosorption mechanism between Ni(2+) and FM functional groups. An empirical modeling is performed by using a 2(3) full factorial design, and a regression equation for Ni(2+) biosorption is determined. The biosorbent mass and pH are the most significant parameters affecting the Ni(2+) biosorption.

Kinetic, isotherm and thermodynamic studies on biosorption of chromium(VI) by using activated carbon from leaves of Ficus nitida.

BackgroundKinetics, thermodynamics and equilibrium of the removal of chromium(VI) ions from aqueous solutions by using chemically activated leaves of Ficus nitida were investigated. Adsorption runs were performed as a function of pH, mass of biosorbent, contact time, initial concentration of chromium(VI) ions and temperature.ResultsThe optimum conditions for maximum removal of chromium(VI) ion from aqueous solutions (about 99 %) were found to be 0.80 g of chemically activated leaves of F. nitida, 25 min, 50.0 mg/L of initial concentration of chromium(VI). Values of thermodynamic activation parameters proved that the biosorption process is spontaneous and endothermic. Results were analyzed by using Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin models.ConclusionsResults of the study showed that the chemically activated leaves of F. nitida can be used as low cost, ecofriendly and effective sorbent for the removal of chromium(VI) from aqueous solutions.Graphical abstractFicus nitida is an efficient bio-sorbent used for removal of Cr(VI) ion

Simultaneous biosorption of methylene blue and trivalent chromium onto olive stone

In this work, olive stone (OS) was utilized to investigate its capacity as biosorbent for methylene blue (MB) and Cr(III), which are usually present in textile industry effluents. Equilibrium and kinetic experiments were performed in batch experiments. The biosorption process followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. The equilibrium data were fitted with several models, but Langmuir and Sips models best reproduced the experimental results. Maximum biosorption capacities were 3.296 mg/g (0.0116 mmol/g) and 4.990 mg/g (0.0960 mmol/g) for MB and Cr(III), respectively. Several operation variables, such as biosorbent mass, flow rate, and initial concentration on the removal of dye and metal, were evaluated in column system. The removal efficiency improved as OS mass increased and decreased when flow rate and initial concentration increased. Also, MB uptake was substantially decreased by increasing the initial concentration of Cr(III), ranging from 6.09 to 2.75 mg/g. These results show that the presence of Cr(III) significantly modifies the biosorption capacity of MB by the OS. These results suggest that OS is a potential low-cost food industry waste for textile industry wastewater treatment.

Study of Ni(II) removal by olive tree pruning and pine cone shell by experimental design methodology

The overall objective of this study is to model and optimize the elimination of nickel ions from aqueous solutions by pine cone shell and olive tree pruning as biosorbents. A 33 full factorial design was employed for experimental design and analysis of the results. The flow rate (4–8 mL/min), the mass of biosorbent (5–15 g), and the initial Ni(II) concentration (10–100 ppm) were the critical variables of the removal optimized. The results have shown that initial concentration of Ni(II) is the most influential factor in biosorption capacity as much as in total nickel removal. The optimum flow rate, mass of biosorbent, and initial concentration of Ni(II) to obtain the maximum total nickel removal coincided with both biosorbents and were found to be 6 mL/min, 15 g, and 10 ppm. Meanwhile, to maximize the biosorption capacity, the optimum flow rate, mass of biosorbent, and initial concentration of Ni(II), were 8 mL/min, 5 g, and 100 ppm for olive tree pruning and 6 mL/min, 15 g, and 100 ppm for pine cone shell. The experimental breakthrough curves obtained under optimum conditions were modeled using Bohart–Adams, Thomas, Yoon–Nelson, and Dose-Response models. The last one is the model that best reproduced the total breakthrough curves.

Selection of Biosorbents for Biosorption of Three Heavy Metals in a Flow-Batch Reactor Using Removal Efficiency as Parameter

Within the last three decades, the use of low cost biosorbents like bacteria, fungi, algae and some agricultural by-products have been investigated for their biosorption capacities. In this paper, the biosorptions of three heavy metals (zinc, copper and manganese) from aqueous wastewater solution by five microorganisms ( Bacillus circulans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus xylosus, Streptomyces rimosus and Saccharomyces sp.(Yeast) were investigated using a combined flow and batch processes. The biosorbents were air-dried without subjecting them to oven heat. Factors affecting biosorption capacity also known as metal uptake capacity, such as solution pH, initial ion concentration of heavy metals, mass of biosorbent and contact time were investigated. The removal efficiencies of the individual microbes were also calculated. The maximum biosorption capacities for the three heavy metals occurred at pH between 5.5 to 6.5. The biosorption of zinc ion by Staphylococcus xylosus yielded the highest removal efficiency of 94%. Also, the biosorption of copper and managense ions by Bacillus circulans produced highest removal efficiencies of 97% and 90% respectively. Initial ion concentrations of heavy metals and mass of biosorbents increase with biosorption capacity. Furthermore, Langmuir isotherm better described equilibrium biosorption of copper by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus xylosus and Saccharomyces sp. (Yeast) with linear regression coefficient of correlation, R 2 of 0.8646, 0.9820 and 0.9902, Freudlinch isotherm better described the biosorption of copper by Bacillus circulans and Streptomyces rimosus with linear regression coefficient of correlation of 0.7233 and 0.9290 respectively. Lastly, Langmuir isotherm better described the biosorption of manganese by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptomyces rimosus with linear regression coefficient of correlation, R 2 of 0.9394 and 0.9880 respectively. On the other hand, Freudlinc isotherm better described the biosorption of Manganese by Bacillus circulans, Staphylococcus xylosus and Saccharomyces sp (Yeast) with linear regression coefficient of correlation, R 2 of 0.7891, 0.9753 and 0.7915 respectively. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v34i2.27

Application of biosurfactants for heavy netals leaching from immobilized activated sludge / Zastosowanie biosurfaktantów do wymywania metali ciężkich z immobilizowanego osadu czynnego

Abstract This study was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of biosurfactants - saponin, tannin and rhamnolipids JBR 515 and 425, for the removal of cadmium, zinc and copper from activated sludge immobilized in 1.5% sodium alginate with 0.5% polyvinyl alcohol. We also established the impact of pH value on biosorbent regeneration with the analyzed biosurfactants and determined the critical micelle concentration (CMC) in solutions containing the biosorbent and biosurfactant and in exact samples with heavy metals. Saponin exhibited the highest effectiveness of metals leaching at pH 1-5, and rhamnosides at pH 5-6. In addition, the study demonstrated a significant effect of the ratio of biosorbent mass to washing agent volume (m/V) on the effectiveness of metals leaching. Of the biosurfactants analyzed, saponin was ca. 100% effective in leaching zinc and copper. The effectiveness of the other biosurfactants was lower and depended on the metal being leached

Pulverized Banana Peel as an Economical Sorbent for the Preconcentration of Metals

A procedure for the determination of trace levels of Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Pb by flame atomic absorption spectrometry using a column preconcentration system is described in which the metals were adsorbed on pulverized banana peel, an economically and environmentally acceptable sorbent. In the optimization procedure, five variables (sample pH, mass of biosorbent, type of eluent, sample flow rate, and volume) were optimized and the capacity of the biosorbent was established. Under the optimized conditions, the detection limits of the method were 2.4, 27.0, 49.4, 31.1, 6.7, 29.6, and 46.2 µg L−1 for Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Pb, respectively. The precision, expressed as relative standard deviation, was less than 4% based on twelve measurements. The recoveries were 81.1% (Cd), 91.4% (Co), 87.2% (Cr), 90.1% (Fe), 88.0% (Mn), 94.1% (Ni), and 93.2% (Pb) under the optimum conditions (pH; 9, sample flow rate; 3 mL min−1, mass of biosorbent; 200 mg; eluent; 1 mol L−1 nitric acid, preconcentration factor; 10). The sorption capacity of pulverized banana peel was 15.12, 28.85, 32.70, 30.44, 30.94, 28.97, and 8.21 µmol per gram of adsorbent for Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Pb, respectively.

Biosorption of heavy metals from actual electroplating wastewater using encapsulated Moringa oleifera beads in fixed bed column

In this study, encapsulated Moringa oleifera bead (EMB) was synthesized using M. oleifera seed powder with Ca-alginate for the biosorption of heavy metals (Zn2+, Cu2+, Mn2+, Co2+, and Ni2+) from electroplating industrial wastewater. In batch mode, the effects of various experimental parameters (contact time, biosorbent mass, and pH) were investigated. Equilibrium modeling studies (Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin–Radushkevich) were established and the maximum sorption capacity (qmax) of about 5.8, 4.78, 4.6, 1.3, and 1.02 mg/g was reported for Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, and Mn2+, respectively. Further, biosorption of heavy metals was carried out by fixed bed column studies by varying the parameters such as effect of influent flow rate (1–10 mL/min) and bed height (5–25 cm). Based on the experimental results, the breakthrough capacity (Q0.5 mg/g) was acquired at 55.5, 63.1, 74.5, 64.9, and 104.5 for Zn2+, Cu2+, Mn2+, Co2+, and Ni2+ with influent flow rate of 1 mL/min. In addition, Thomas and Yoon–Nelson models were applied to the experimental data to predict the breakthrough curves using linear equation and to establish the distinctive parameters of the column. Finally, EMB was examined before and after biosorption using SEM/FTIR analytical techniques. In conclusion, based on our results, EMB is expected to be a competent biosorbent for the removal of heavy metals from the wastewater.

Sugar palm Arenga pinnata Merr (Magnoliophyta) fruit shell as biomaterial to remove Cr(III), Cr(VI), Cd(II) and Zn(II) from aqueous solution

The removal of toxic heavy metals Cr(III), Cr(VI), Cd(II) and Zn(II) from aqueous solution by sugar palm ( Arenga pinnata ) fruit shell has been examined. Adsorption factors consisted of solution of pH, mass of biosorbent as well as initial metal concentration. The Langmuir isotherm was used to study the adsorption mechanism. Moreover, characterization of sugar palm fruit shell was investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and surface morphology was checked using scanning electron microscope. The removal percentage at maximum conditions were: 0.28, 0.52, 0.43 and 0.58 mg g −1 for Cr(III), Cr(VI), Cd(II) and Zn(II), respectively. Desorption study was carried out by using nitric acid at a range of pH 1–4. This work shows that the performance of biosorption of metals by A. pinnata has many advantages, such as good removal and deremoval efficiencies.

A Crambe abyssinica seed by-product as biosorbent for lead(II) removal from water

This study assessed the performance of a Crambe abyssinica Hochst seed by-product as biosorbent for removing lead [Pb(II)] ions from water. The material was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy techniques as well as by point of zero charge (pHPCZ) measurement. The following parameters were determined after adsorption experiments: solution pH, biosorbent mass, contact time, and temperature. The optimal conditions were found to be mass –400 mg, solution pH 7.0, and equilibration time –20 min; they were used for performing isotherm tests. The isotherms were best fitted to the Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich mathematical models. Based on the results of kinetic and thermodynamic studies (pseudo-second-order kinetics, negative change in Gibbs free energy, positive change in enthalpy and low ion desorption rate), it was established that the Pb(II) ions interacted forcefully with the biosorbent, thus confirming that a spontaneous endothermic chemisorption process took place. To check the effectiveness of the novel adsorbent for the Pb(II) removal and retention, comparative studies were carried out with activated carbon. On the basis of the obtained results, it has been possible to conclude that the C. abyssinica seed by-product can feasibly be used as an alternative material for the remediation of lead-contaminated water, since it is sustainable and does not require pretreatment.

Biosorption characteristics of cadmium and lead onto eco-friendly dried cactus (Opuntia ficus indica) cladodes

The biosorption of cadmium (II) and lead (II) ions onto a natural, plentiful and low-cost biosorbent developed from cactus cladodes was investigated in batch mode. Experiments were carried out as a function of average biosorbent particle size, pH, biosorbent mass, contact time, initial metal concentration and temperature. The experimental results indicate that, the percentage of biosorption increases with an increase in the biosorbent dosage and the decrease of particle size. The equilibrium uptake was increased with an increase in the initial metal concentration in solution. The maximum biosorption occurred at pH of 5.8 and 3.5, respectively for cadmium (II) and lead (II) ions. Biosorption kinetic data were properly fitted with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The equilibrium data fitted very well to the Langmuir model with a maximum monolayer biosorption capacity of 30.42 and 98.62mg/g, respectively for cadmium (II) and lead (II) ions. The biosorption yield decreases with an increase in solution temperature. The FTIR analysis of unloaded and metal loaded biosorbent indicated the involvement of CO, OC and COC groups in metal binding.

Assessment of the Use of Moringa oleifera Seeds for Removal of Manganese Ions from Aqueous Systems

Moringa oleifera seeds were investigated for the removal of manganese ions from aqueous solutions. The seeds utilized were obtained from plants grown in Uberlândia, Brazil. After being dried and pulverized, the seeds were treated with 0.1 mol L-1 NaOH. Using the optimized methodology (50 mL of 4.0 mg L-1 Mn(II), pH range of 4.0–6.0, contact time of 5 min, and biosorbent mass of 0.5 g) it was found that 100% of Mn(II) could be removed from water samples. In order to remove up to 95% of Mn ions in 50 mL of a laboratory residue produced during biochemical oxygen demand determinations with 112.0 mg L-1 of manganese, the contact time and pH were maintained, but a mass of 3.0 g was used. The kinetic data were fitted to a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The sorption data were fitted satisfactorily to the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. Evaluation applying the Langmuir equation gave the monolayer sorption capacity as 5.61 mg/g. In this application the method was found to be efficient, fast, simple, and economical.

BIOSORPTION OF TEXTILE DYE USING IMMOBILIZED BACTERIAL (<i>PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA<i/>) AND FUNGAL (<i>PHANEROCHATE CHRYSOSPORIUM<i/>) CELLS

Wastewater containing dyes presents a serious problem due to its high toxicity which leads to creating enormous environmental pollution and ecological hazards. Therefore the removal of the high stable dyes from the textile effluents is of major importance. The purpose of this study is to remove the reactive dye Procion Blue 2G from textile dye solution by biosorption process using immobilized cells of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Phanerochate chrysosporium. It was found that maximum dye uptake is 1.648 mg g-1 of bead for P. aeruginosa and it is 1.242 mg g-1 of bead for P. chrysosporium. Both the results are derived from higher initial dye concentration (100 mg L-1) and high cell concentration (in terms of volume of inoculum 20 mL) and at low mass of biosorbent (5 g of bead). Comparatively better results are produced by the beads having the cells of P. aeruginosa than P. chrysosporium. Further, due to the cell immobilization, both the cell beads can be utilized repeatedly in continuous reactors by selecting suitable eluent in industrial scale with the advantage of avoiding wash out of cells.

Application of Elaeis guineensis Leaves in Palm Oil Mill Effluent Treatmen

Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) is a highly polluting wastewater that pollutes the environment if discharged directly Owing to its high Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) concentration. This study utilizes Elaeis guineensis leaves in POME treatment to reduce the COD, BOD, and to remove colour and comply with the Department of Environment (DOE) discharge standard limit. Batch biosorption experiments were carried out for the removal of Azo dye, (AO52) using E. guineensis leaves as a potential biosorbent. The effects of various parameters, such as pH, mass of biosorbent, initial concentration, and contact time were studied to evaluate and optimize the biosorption process condition. The optimum conditions were fixed at pH 2, 90 minutes of contact time, 80ppm of initial concentration, and 1.0g amount of biosorbent. This optimum condition was then applied for COD, BOD and colour removal in POME. Under the optimum condition, maximum percentage reduction of COD, and BOD was found to be 82% and 44% respectively, and percentage of colour removal stood at 91.6%. While no standard discharge limit is stipulated for COD, the result shows that the final concentration of BOD does not comply with the standard discharge limit, specified by Environment Quality (Prescribed Premises) (Crude Palm Oil) regulations, 1977. Langmuir and Freundlich models were applied to describe the experimental data. Experimental data fitted very well with the Langmuir isotherm model. It indicates that the biosorption mechanism of E. guineensis occurs on a homogenous surface through monolayer biosorption. Further, this study reveals that E. guineensis can effectively, be used as biosorbent as the the alternative treatment of COD, BOD and color removal in POME. Keywords: Agricultural Waste, Biosorption, BOD, COD, Colour, POME

Dye removal by almond shell residues: Studies on biosorption performance and process design

The objective of this research paper is to assess the biosorption potential of almond shell residues for methyl orange dye. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model described the dye biosorption process with a good fitting. The relationship between the pseudo-second-order model constants and the biosorption performance was also evaluated. The equilibrium data fit well with the Langmuir isotherm model presenting that the biosorption was the monolayer coverage of dye on the biosorbent and the homogeneity of active sites for dye binding on the biosorbent surface. Based on the Langmuir model, a single-stage batch biosorber was also designed to predict the biosorbent mass for certain percentage dye removal. Besides, the standard Gibbs free energy change was also calculated to define the nature of biosorption process. These results revealed that the utilization of almond shell residues as dye biosorbent could be an interesting option from both environmental and economic point of view.

Biosorption of Cu2+ in a packed bed column by almond shell: optimization of process variables

This paper presents the ability of a low-cost biosorbent, almond shell, to remove Cu(II) ions from aqueous solution. Biosorption capacity of almond shell to removal Cu(II) was studied in a packed bed column. The effect of various parameters, flow rate, initial copper concentration, and mass of biosorbent, was analyzed. A 23 factorial experiment design was carried out to optimize some of the factors directly affecting the biosorption of copper onto almond shell. The results have shown that initial concentration of Cu(II) is the most influential factors in biosorption capacity, while the most important factors in total copper removal are the flow rate and mass of biosorbent. The biosorption capacity of almond shell presented a maximum when the operational conditions are: flow rate, 6 mL/min; initial copper concentration, 100 mg/L; and mass of almond shell, 5 g; while the parameters which give the maximum value of % removal of Cu(II) are: flow rate, 2 mL/min; initial copper concentration, 40 mg/L; and mass of biosorbent, 15 g. The experimental breakthrough curves obtained under optimum conditions were modeled using Bohart–Adams, Thomas, Yoon–Nelson, and dose–response models. The Bohart–Adams model was valid only in representing the initial part of the breakthrough curves. The dose–response model is acceptable to reproduce the breakthrough curves.