Low-cost Biosorbent Research Articles

Preparation of chitosan/tannin and montmorillonite films as adsorbents for Methyl Orange dye removal

A series of novel chitosan/tannin/montmorillonite (Cs/Tn/MMT) films were synthesised by loading different (from 0.2 to 0.5 wt%) and MMT (from 0.5 to 1.5 wt%) ratios, to be used as promising low-cost biosorbents for methyl orange (MO) removal from aqueous media. The prepared films were characterised using different techniques such as x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), water contact angle, optical properties, colourimetric measurement, porosity, swelling and thickness. The effects of various parameters, i.e. initial MO concentration, adsorbent dose, pH and temperature, were studied. The Cs/Tn0.2/MMT1 film showed a high removal efficiency of 95.62% and maximum adsorption capacity of 57.37 mg/g under the optimum adsorption conditions (initial methyl orange concentration 60 mg/L, pH 7 and 25 °C). The adsorption kinetic followed the pseudo second order kinetic model and the experimental data were a good fit for the Langmuir isotherm indicating a homogeneous and monolayer adsorption process. The thermodynamic parameters suggested physical adsorption and exothermic behaviour. Consequently, Cs/Tn/MMT films showed effective potential for the uptake of anionic dyes.

Equilibrium Biosorption of Zn2+ and Ni2+ Ions from Monometallic and Bimetallic Solutions by Crab Shell Biomass

This work explored the technical feasibility of using crab shell (CS) as a promising, low-cost biosorbent to individually and simultaneously remove Zn2+ and Ni2+ from aqueous solutions. It was found that in both monometallic and bimetallic systems, Zn2+ and Ni2+ biosorption by CS was strongly dependent on the solution pH, with the optimum biosorption occurring at a pH of 6.0 for both heavy metals. The obtained isotherms for Zn2+ and Ni2+ biosorption onto CS in monometallic and bimetallic systems demonstrated that CS has a higher affinity for Zn2+ than for Ni2+. The experimental equilibrium data for the bimetallic system revealed that when one heavy metal is present in the system, there is a decrease in the equilibrium biosorption capacity for the other heavy metal; therefore, the combined action of Zn2+ and Ni2+ was antagonistic. The Sips and Redlich–Peterson isotherm models best fitted the equilibrium biosorption data for Zn2+ and Ni2+ in the monometallic systems, while the modified Sips model best fitted the binary biosorption equilibrium data. DRIFTS analyses indicated that carbonate ion, chitin, and proteins are mainly involved in the biosorption of Zn2+ and Ni2+ by CS from aqueous solutions, as confirmed using a range of analytical techniques.

Experimental Modeling Investigations on the Biosorption of Methyl Violet 2B Dye by the Brown Seaweed Cystoseira tamariscifolia

Methyl violet 2B dye is a major contaminant that is detrimental to both humans and aquatic microorganisms, thus it should be eliminated from water. In the current investigation, the biosorption of methyl violet 2B dye onto the brown seaweed Cystoseira tamariscifolia biomass as a sustainable low-cost biosorbent was examined by varying biosorption parameters. Biomass dosage of 7 g/L, pH 6, a temperature of 45 °C, a 60 min contact time, and a 30 mg/L initial dye concentration were determined to be the optimum biosorption conditions. Data obtained were interpreted by thermodynamic, isothermal, and kinetic models. The thermodynamic studies demonstrated that the process of dye biosorption was random and endothermic. The data were best described by Langmuir, Dubinin–Radushkevich, and Temkin models. According to the Langmuir equation, the maximal biosorption capacity (qmax) was 10.0 mg/g. Moreover, the pseudo-second-order mechanism is dominant, and chemical biosorption might represent the rate-controlling stage in the biosorption process. However, intraparticle diffusion revealed a boundary layer effect. A scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, the point of zero charge, and Fourier Transform Infra-Red were applied to characterize the algal biomass, exhibiting its remarkable structural properties and the availability of several functional groups. Additionally, ion exchange, electrostatic force, and hydrogen bonding formation are all proposed as biosorption mechanisms. As a result, C. tamariscifolia was evaluated to be a sustainable biosorbent for dye biosorption from aqueous solutions.

Evaluating cottonwood seeds as a low-cost biosorbent for crystal violet removal from aqueous matrics

In this study, cottonwood seeds (CWS) were introduced as a novel, green, and low-cost biosorbents for the removal of crystal violet (CV) dye from aqueous solutions. To illustrate the characteristics of CWS, surface morphology, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopes, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy techniques were employed. Important adsorption variables (i.e., equilibrium time, solution pH, CWS amount, CV concentration, and temperature) were systematically studied. Maximum CV dye adsorption was observed at pH 10 using 20 mg of the adsorbent. Different adsorption isotherms were investigated, and the results were more accurately consistent with the Langmuir model (R 2 = 0.992). The maximum capacity of adsorption was 153.85 mg g−1 at 60 min. The kinetic data were examined by different models and a pseudo-second-order model supplied the best correlation between experimental data. Investigated thermodynamic parameters at different temperatures illustrated that the CV adsorption procedure was spontaneous and endothermic with an increase in entropy. The percentage removal and the relative standard deviations for the real sample analysis were in the range of 89–98% and 4.9–9.5%, respectively. High adsorption capacity and low equilibrium time demonstrated that CWS is an impressive biosorbent for dye pollutants uptakes from aqueous solutions and real industrial wastewater samples.

Biosorption of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution by pristine and CaCl2-modified erythromycin production residues.

In this study, the adsorptive removal of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] from aqueous solutions by the pristine and salt-treated (CaCl2) erythromycin production residue (EPRs and SEPRs) were investigated. Batch experiments were carried out to determine the effect of contact time, sorbent dosage, pH, initial Cr concentration, and temperature on Cr(VI) sorption by EPRs and SEPRs. The highest adsorptive removal capacities were achieved at the pH equal to 1.0, and the maximum adsorption capacities for EPRs and SEPRs at optimized conditions were 21.74 and 35.24mgg-1, respectively. The FTIR spectra and SEM studies were examined for the pristine adsorbent and after the adsorption of Cr(VI). Moreover, thermodynamic results indicated that Cr sorption by EPR/SERPs was feasible, spontaneous, and endothermic under the optimum conditions. Langmuir model fitted well with the experimental data. Kinetic modeling revealed that the biosorption of Cr(VI) by EPRs and SEPRs obeyed the second-order model than the first-order model. The process involving rate-controlling step is much complex involving both boundary layer and intra-particle diffusion processes. Furthermore, the adsorption-coupled-reduction process was believed as the main mechanism of Cr(VI) removal by EPRs and SEPRs. In summary, both adsorbents could be considered as promising low-cost biosorbent for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous systems.

Biosorption Potential of Sargassum for Removal of Aqueous Dye Solutions

Sargassum muticum is an invasive species to the coasts of the British Isles, mainland Europe and North America, with negative ecological and socioeconomic impacts. Pelagic Sargassum inundations on the beaches of the Caribbean have also been causing adverse health, ecological and economic effects. The finding of commercial uses of these biomasses may alleviate the costs of removal and control. Both pelagic Sargassum and S. muticum could be low-cost biosorbents for removing aqueous cationic dyes but may not be suitable for anionic substances without modification. This study found that a Sargassum biomass could remove up to 93% of methylene blue and that the species, concentration and treatment (CaCl2) were all statistically highly significant factors (p < 0.001) in its removal.

Evaluation of Original and Enzyme-Modified Fique Fibers as an Azo Dye Biosorbent Material

As natural fibers, low-cost biosorbents have proven to be an effective and clean tool to remove textile dyes from wastewater. In this research, the Reactive Black 5 removal ability of original and enzyme-modified natural fibers were assessed. A fiber extracted from a Colombian fique plant (Furcraea sp.) was employed. The effects of fique fiber protonation with different solvents and dye solution pH on RB5 removal were evaluated. The biosorbent chemical composition was modified using the commercial enzymes pectinase, ligninase, and xylanase. The point of zero charge (PZC) of the original and modified material was measured, and the dye removal capacity of the three enzyme-modified fibers was determined. Fiber protonation with 0.1 M HCl and a dye solution with pH of 2.4 increased the RB5 elimination to 49.1%. The change in the fiber chemical composition led to a reduction in the PZC from 5.5 to a 4.7–4.9 range. Pectinase-pretreated fique fibers presented the highest dye removal of 66.29%, representing a 36% increase in RB5 dye removal. Although the original fique fiber showed RB5 dye removal ability, its enzymatic modification changed the charge distribution on the fiber surface, improving the capture of dye molecules. Enzyme modification can be applied to obtain new functionalities for plant fibers as biosorbent materials.

Modeling the Biosorption Process of Heavy Metal Ions on Soybean-Based Low-Cost Biosorbents Using Artificial Neural Networks

Pollution of the environment with heavy metals requires finding solutions to eliminate them from aqueous flows. The current trends aim at exploiting the advantages of the adsorption operation, by using some low-cost sorbents from agricultural waste biomass, and with good retention capacity of some heavy metal ions. In this context, it is important to provide tools that allow the modeling and optimization of the process, in order to transpose the process to a higher operating scale of the biosorption process. This paper capitalizes on the results of previous research on the biosorption of heavy metal ions, namely Pb(II), Cd(II), and Zn(II) on soybean biomass and soybean waste biomass resulting from biofuels extraction process. The data were processed by applying a methodology based on Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) and evolutionary algorithms (EAs) capable of evolving ANN parameters. EAs are represented in this paper by the Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm, and a simultaneous training and determination of the topology is performed. The resulting hybrid algorithm, hSADE-NN was applied to obtain optimal models for the biosorption process. The expected response of the system addresses biosorption capacity of the biosorbent (q, mg/g), the biosorption efficiency (E, %), as functions of input parameters: pH, biosorbent dose (DS, mg/g), the initial concentration of metal in the solution (c0, mg/L), contact time (tc, h), and temperature (T, °C). Models were developed for the two output variables, for each metal ion, finding a high degree of accuracy. Furthermore, the combinations of input parameters were found which can lead to an optimal output in terms of biosorption capacity and biosorption efficiency.

Use of Sugar Cane Bagasse as Solid Extraction Phase Sorbent to Analyze Hormones from Industrial Effluent

Sugar cane bagasse (SCB) is an abundant byproduct of sugar and bioethanol mills. It has been effectively used as a low-cost biosorbent to remove hazardous chemical compounds from a variety of effluent sources. Herein, we report on the preparation of SCB and its use as a solid phase extraction (SPE) sorbent to retain synthetic hormones (ethinylestradiol, drospirenone, and levonorgestrel) from industrial pharmaceutical plant effluent samples prior to LC–MS/MS quantitative analysis. We evaluated the reproducibility and recoveries and accuracy data analyses were compared with that of commercial SPE (cSPE) cartridges. The results from the evaluated parameters indicated that the SCB bed had an efficiency of >99%, comparable to that of cSPE cartridges, demonstrating the applicability and feasibility of this material as an effective and green chemistry alternative, as well as its biosorbent potential to remove hormones from industrial pharmaceutical effluent.

The overlooked potential of raspberry canes: from waste to an efficient low-cost biosorbent for Cr(VI) ions

The overlooked potential of raspberry canes: from waste to an efficient low-cost biosorbent for Cr(VI) ions

Pitahaya Fruit (Hylocereus spp.) Peels Evaluation for Removal of Pb(II), Cd(II), Co(II), and Ni(II) from the Waters

The present study investigated the performance of Pitahaya (Hylocereus spp.) peel (PP) as a low-cost biosorbent in the removal of Co(II), Cd(II), Pb(II), and Ni(II) from single and multi-component solutions. The characterization of the samples was carried out by pHpzc, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). Biosorption was carried out by batch experimental procedure to examine the effects of contact time, solution pH, initial concentration of metal ions, and biosorbent dosage. The results indicate that the biosorption of Pb(II), Cd(II), Co(II), and Ni(II) Pitahaya peels followed pseudo-second-order kinetics, and equilibrium adsorption followed the Langmuir model. The maximum sorption capacities of PP for the metallic species were found to be as follows: Pb (82.64 mg g−1) > Cd (17.95 mg g−1) > Co (6.013 mg g−1) > Ni (5.322 mg g−1). However, the efficiency of the biosorption change when the metallic species are mixed. The re-generation of the PP after the adsorption of the metallic species was done using 0.1 M HNO3 solution, and the reusability of the biomass was carried out using two adsorption and desorption cycles.

Green fabrication of Moringa oleifera seed as efficient biosorbent for selective enrichment of triazole fungicides in environmental water, honey and fruit juice samples

Reutilization of plant wastes is an eco-friendly way to simultaneously to treat toxic contaminated matrices. A micro-solid-phase extraction using a low-cost biosorbent was developed for enrichment and preconcentration of triazole fungicides prior to high performance liquid chromatographic analysis. Moringa oleifera seed were chosen as a biosorbent material. Vortex agitator was used to increase the contact between analytes and biosorbent, and improve the mass transfer rate and, therefore the extraction efficiency increased. Characterisation of the biosorbent material was performed using scanning electron microscopy and fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. The parameters affecting the extraction efficiency were investigated in detail. The optimum extraction conditions allowed the use of 0.1 mg Moringa oleifera seed powder, 30 μL of 1 mol L-1 formic acid, 200 μL of acetonitrile as desorption solvent and extraction time 12 min. Employing the best conditions, this method provided wide linear range between 10 and 500 µg L-1 (coefficient of determination greater than 0.99), low method detection limit (30–50 µg L-1) and good precisions with relative standard deviations greater than 5.0%. The developed method was used to analyze triazole fungicides in environmental water, honey and fruit juice samples. Acceptable relative recovery ranging from 70.00 to 112.00%, were gained. This study provides a simple, environmental friendly and low cost method to utilize Moringa oleifera seeds.

A Study on the Removal Characteristics of Metal Ions from Aqueous Solution by Low Cost Biosorbent (Ulva lactuca)

A Study on the Removal Characteristics of Metal Ions from Aqueous Solution by Low Cost Biosorbent (Ulva lactuca)

Removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution using a mixture of dried rice husk, sugarcane bagasse and wheat bran powder as a low-cost biosorbent

Removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution using a mixture of dried rice husk, sugarcane bagasse and wheat bran powder as a low-cost biosorbent

A comprehensive review on the decontamination of lead(ii) from water and wastewater by low-cost biosorbents

The disadvantages of conventional methods in water and wastewater management including the demand for high energy consumption, the creation of secondary toxic sludge, and operation cost are much too high for developing countries. However, adsorption using low-cost biosorbents is the most efficient non-conventional technique for heavy metals removal. The high adsorption capacities, cost-effectiveness, and the abundance of agricultural waste materials in nature are the important parameters that explain why these biosorbents are economical for heavy metals removal. The present investigation sought to review the biosorption of lead [Pb(ii)] onto low-cost biosorbents to understand their adsorption mechanism. The review shows that biosorption using low-cost biosorbents is eco-friendly, cost-effective, and is a simple technique for water and wastewater treatment containing lead(ii) ions. The batch biosorption tests carried out in most studies show that Pb(ii) biosorption by the low-cost biosorbents is dependent on biosorption variables such as pH of the aqueous solution, contact time, biosorbent dose, Pb(ii) initial concentration, and temperature. Furthermore, batch equilibrium data have been explored in many studies by evaluating the kinetics, isothermal and thermodynamic variables. Most of the studies on the adsorptive removal of Pb(ii) were found to follow the pseudo-second kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models with the thermodynamics variables suggesting the feasibility and spontaneous nature of Pb(ii) sequestration. However, gaps exist to increase biosorption ability, economic feasibility, optimization of the biosorption system, and desorption and regeneration of the used agricultural biosorbents.

Phosphate ion removal from aqueous solution using snail shell dust: biosorption potential of waste shells of edible snails

The freshwater snails, Filopaludina bengalensis and Pila globosa are widely used for human consumption and as a feed in aquaculture in India and Bangladesh. The generation of shells as a waste product following meat extraction from the live snails incites their utilisation as a potential biomaterial. Shell dust was prepared from the dried shells of F. bengalensis (FSD) and P. globosa (PSD) and employed for phosphate adsorption from aqueous solutions. Batch adsorption experiments were performed to examine the effects of various experimental conditions, such as biosorbent dose, agitation speed, temperature, contact time, pH, initial concentration of phosphate ions, and presence of co-existing ions. SEM, EDS, ICP-OES, FTIR, and XRD results indicated that phosphate ions were adsorbed onto the surface of shell dust particles. The experimental data fitted with the Langmuir isotherm with a maximum adsorption capacity of 62.50 and 66.66 mg g-1 for FSD and PSD. The pseudo-second order kinetic model was well fitted, indicating the chemical adsorption process, and the thermodynamic parameters indicated that the adsorption mechanism of phosphate was spontaneous, feasible, and endothermic. Therefore, the results have established the potentiality of the waste shells of edible snails to be used as an eco-friendly and low-cost biosorbent for phosphate removal from wastewater.

Coriandrum sativum seeds as a green low-cost biosorbent for crystal violet dye removal from wastewater

Coriandrum sativum seeds as a green low-cost biosorbent for crystal violet dye removal from wastewater

Synthesis of Di-amine Functionalized Lignin Derivative and Its Removal Ability for Heavy Metal Ions

In this study, di-amine functionalized lignin (DAL) was prepared by a two-step reaction and its adsorption behavior for metal ions (Pb(II), Cu(II) and Cd(II)) was investigated. The chemical structural analysis of DAL by FT-IR, XPS and 1H NMR confirmed that the di-amine groups were successfully introduced into lignin. The prepared DAL exhibited enhanced molecular weight, and thermal stability. For adsorption behavior, DAL has a higher adsorption capacity for cationic heavy metal ions under neutral conditions than acidic conditions. In addition, it was confirmed that adsorption capacity of Pb(II) ions by DAL was better than those of Cu(II) and Cd(II) ions. This is due to an adsorption mechanism in which DAL introduced with a lone pair of N-functional group in lignin is chelated with metal ions, which showed that DAL was a promising adsorbent for wastewater treatment. Therefore, it was suggested that the lignin-based di-amine derivative prepared in this study could provide an opportunity to increase the utility of novel lignin-based biomaterials as a low-cost biosorbent.

Adsorption of Iron with Biosorbents derived from Longan Peel, Pomelo Peel and Jackfruit Peel

High iron (Fe2+) concentration in groundwater is a severe issue in many regions of the world. This study attempts to investigate the effectiveness of biosorbents derived from longan peel (LP), pomelo peel (PP) and jackfruit peel (JP) for the adsorption of Fe2+ from aqueous solution in various forms. A batch adsorption study was carried out with an initial Fe2+ concentration of 10 mg/L for 2 h. The results showed that the highest removal efficiency was achieved for PP and its biochar at 97.38% and 99.45%, respectively. High removal efficiency implied that PP contained favourable characteristics for the adsorption of Fe2+. Under the scanning electron microscope (SEM), the surface structure of PP displayed visible dimensions with a relatively large pore size compared with LP and JP. Characterisation study using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) reveals that the carboxylate groups and ester carbonyl band participated in the adsorption process. At higher initial pH of 5.83, adsorption of Fe2+ using PP gives higher removal efficiency due to lower competition on electrostatic interaction between positive ions in the solution and the surface of biosorbents. Furthermore, adsorption uptake of 83.0 mg/g was attainable with an initial concentration of 100 mg/L. This study has proven the feasibility of PP as a low cost biosorbents for removing Fe2+ in an aqueous solution.

Removal of methylene blue using balanites aegyptiaca bark powder as low-cost and eco-friendly biosorbent

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the potential application of Balanites aegyptiaca bark powder (BABP) for removing a basic textile dye, methylene blue (MB), from aqueous solutions.Design/methodology/approachThe biosorbent (BABP) was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and point of zero charge (pHPZC). Batch mode was selected to study the biosorption of MB onto BABP surface at different experimental conditions (shaking speed, contact time, initial solution pH, ionic strength, solution temperature, biosorbent dosage and initial dye concentration). Besides, the reusability of BABP for MB biosorption was also examined.FindingsThe biosorption results revealed that approximately 96% of MB was removed successfully at the optimized operational conditions. Pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models, respectively, better described the adsorption kinetics and isotherms. The monolayer biosorption capacity (qmax) for MB was about 97.09 mg/g. According to thermodynamics findings, the MB biosorption onto BABP is an exothermic and spontaneous process. The results demonstrate that BABP can be considered as potential eco-friendly, readily available and low-cost biosorbent for hazardous textile dyes removal from water bodies and also provides a promising method for minimization of agricultural solid wastes (e.g. plant barks).Originality/valueThe utilization of Balanites aegyptiaca bark powder (BABP), solid waste material, as low-cost and eco-friendly biosorbent for the removal of hazardous basic textile dye (methylene blue) from the aquatic environment.