Maximum Biosorption Research Articles

Phosphoric acid activated Areca catechu as an efficient biosorbent for Cr(VI) sequestration from simulated and industrial effluent

ABSTRACT A new biosorbent for Cr(VI) sequestration has been developed from betel nut, Areca catechu, waste by treating H3PO4 followed by carbonization to give phosphoric acid carbonized betel nut waste (PCBNW). The structural and physicochemical characteristics of investigated biosorbents were evaluated via functional group identification, surface analysis, elemental analysis, and X-ray diffraction measurement. The maximum biosorption potential of Cr(VI) was drastically improved from 14.00 ± 0.13 to 188.68 ± 0.20 mg/g after modification at an optimal pH of 2. The outcomes demonstrated that a certain amount of Cr(VI) was reduced to Cr(III) during the process, pointing out that the phenomenon was a chemisorption along with reduction. The PCBNW efficiently eliminated a trace amount of Cr(VI) present in the industrial wastewater, which was lower than the wastewater standard, as established by WHO (0.10 mg/L). Also, PCBNW effectively worked even when there were coexisting-ions namely, NO3 −, Cl−, CO3 2−, SO4 2−, and PO4 3−. Furthermore, more than 93.65 ± 3.72% of the biosorbed Cr(VI) was desorbed by a solution of 2 M NaOH. Hence, PCBNW analyzed in this research displays great potential for sequestration of Cr(VI) from adulterated water.

Development of New Biosorbent Based on Crosslinked Chitosan Beads with High Brilliant Blue FCF Removal Efficiency.

Effluents containing synthetic anionic dyes can pose a risk to ecosystems, and they must be treated before their release to the environment. Biosorption, a simple and effective process, may be a promising solution for treating these effluents. In this work, chitosan beads were crosslinked with epichlorohydrin to produce a highly stable and performant biosorbent to remove Brilliant Blue FCF dye. The biosorbent was characterized by determining the functional groups on its surface, as well as its elemental composition, crystallinity, and surface morphology. Crosslinking with epichlorohydrin significantly improved the biosorption capacity of chitosan beads. A maximum biosorption capacity of 600 mg/g corresponding to 99% removal efficiency was observed at pH 3.0, a biosorbent dose of 0.5 g/L, an initial dye concentration of 300 mg/L, a contact time of 10 h, and a temperature of 323 K. The biosorption of Brilliant Blue FCF dye in chitosan beads crosslinked with epichlorohydrin was well described by the Langmuir isotherm and followed an adsorption kinetic of pseudo second order. The thermodynamic parameters indicate a spontaneous biosorption process. The presence of anions such as NO3- and SO42- could interfere with the biosorption of Brilliant Blue FCF on the chitosan crosslinked beads, but Cl- did not interfere in biosorption process. Over three biosorption/desorption cycles, the biosorbent showed a removal efficiency of 97% and a desorption rate of over 98%. Chitosan is available worldwide and is a low-cost biomaterial, presenting high potential to be used as a biosorbent to treat industrial effluents containing anionic compounds, such as dyes.

Biosorption of cobalt (II) from an aqueous solution over acid modified date seed biochar: an experimental and mass transfer studies.

Water pollution because of the presence of heavy metals remains a serious worry. The present work demonstrates the exclusion of cobalt ion (or Co(II)) from water using novel and cost-effective biosorbents. Initially, the biosorbent was chemically modified using orthophosphoric acid and then subjected to calcination to result acid modified date seed biochar (AMDB). Three biosorbents (AMDB400, AMDB500, and AMDB600) were synthesized concerning different activation temperatures (400, 500, and 600°C). The maximum biosorption of Co(II) was achieved on AMDB600(149.5 mg/g), followed by AMDB500 (138.33mg/g), and ADMB400 (129.17mg/g). For all three biosorbents, the Co(II) removal remained effective within 50-100min; later it reached saturation. The kinetic analysis suggested strong Co(II) adsorption on AMDB surfaces. The Co(II)-AMDB biosorption data fits well with Temkin isotherm, indicating the heterogeneity on the biosorbent surface and no interaction between adsorbed Co(II)-Co(II) species. The thermodynamic analysis suggested the exothermic and spontaneous adsorption. The intraparticle diffusion of Co(II) within the biosorbent was surface diffusion controlled, as characterized by pore volume and surface diffusion model. The biosorbent reusability was 88.7% after five adsorption-desorption cycles. Thus, presently synthesized biosorbent could be novel and cost-effective for Co(II) and other heavy metal elimination from water bodies.

Biosorption, Recovery and Reuse of Cu(II) by Penicillium sp. 8L2: A Proposal Framed Within Environmental Regeneration and the Sustainability of Mineral Resources

The copper contamination of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems is a major global environmental problem. Copper is a metal used in many industrial and agricultural processes that is bioaccumulative and highly toxic, making its elimination, recovery and reuse of great interest for environmental sustainability. At the same time, the use of ubiquitous microorganisms is presented as a crucial tool in the field of the sustainability of mineral resources, which in many cases end up as bioaccumulative pollutants, since they can allow the recovery of metallic ions present in low concentrations and, in parallel, the reconversion of these into crystalline species that can be used in other technological fields. The potential of a ubiquitous microorganism, Penicillium sp. 8L2, to retain Cu(II) ions was investigated, as well as the ability of its cellular extract to synthesize CuO nanoparticles, which were subsequently evaluated as biocidal agents against five microorganisms. A response surface methodology was used to determine the optimal operating conditions of the biosorption process, setting the pH at 4.8 and the biomass concentration at 0.8 g/L and obtaining a maximum biosorption capacity at equilibrium of 25.79 mg/g for the Langmuir model. Different analytical techniques were used to study the biosorption mechanisms, which revealed the presence of surface adsorption and intracellular bioaccumulation phenomena involving different functional groups. The fungal cell extract allowed the successful synthesis of CuO-NPs with an average size of 22 nm. The biocidal tests performed with the nanoparticles showed promising values of minimum inhibitory concentrations between 62.5 and 500 µg/mL. Penicillium sp. 8L2 showed good potential for its application in the field of heavy metal bioremediation and for the green synthesis of nanoparticles useful in biomedicine.

Utilization of agrowaste for arsenic biosorption: enhancing efficacy and assessing the suitability of plant and animal growth in post-adsorbed solution.

Arsenic is known to have detrimental effects on living bodies when exposed to contaminated groundwater. Therefore, a cost-effective way to eliminate arsenic from aquatic sources is essential. Our study evaluated the efficacy of eight different types of easily accessible agricultural wastes for arsenic removal. The safety assessment of the post-adsorbed solution in plant and animal test models such as Allium cepa and Daphnia magna was also evaluated. The results showed that the efficiency of the adsorbents depends on the type of agricultural waste utilized. In the case of citrus agrowastes, maximum biosorption (94-95%) was attained at the lowest 15min contact time, indicating very rapid saturation of adsorption sites for other adsorbents; with an increase of contact time, there was a gradual increase in biosorption of arsenic. Allium cepa toxicity test showed that arsenic exposure caused a significant decrease in root length (2.80 ± 0.89cm) and a reduction in mitotic index (6.31 ± 1.79%) that can be reverted to normal after the roots were grown in a post-adsorbed medium. Similarly, solutions treated with different agricultural wastes except citrus biosorbents showed significantly higher survival rates and litter sizes of Daphnia magna post biosorption. Agricultural waste with citric characteristics removed arsenic more effectively than other chosen agricultural wastes, but the solution generated by biosorption with citric agrowaste does not support plant and animal growth. Among the other chosen adsorbents, rice husk has been found to be highly suitable for plant and animal growth by reducing the toxic effects of arsenic.

Effectiveness of Musa balbisiana bract toward chromium removal from industrial tannery effluent: Optimization, kinetics, isotherms, regeneration, and cost estimation

Eradicating chromium from industrial effluent is essential for environmental security and economic reasons. This study investigates the potency of activated Musa balbisiana bract biomass as a biosorbent to remove hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) from real industrial tannery effluent (ITE). The characterization study exemplifies the existence of irregular structures and excessive cavities, and the occurrence of functional groups (hydroxyl, carboxyl, esters, and alkynes) are benefitting the deposition of Cr6+ on the biosorbent. A maximum biosorption capacity of 42.75 ± 0.21 mg/g was observed at an optimum pH of 6.5, biosorbent dosage of 0.3 g, initial Cr6+ concentration of 50 mg/L, and contact time of 120 min. The validation experiment confirmed the removal efficiency of total chromium, trivalent chromium, and Cr6+ 92.56 ± 0.80 %, 98.63 ± 0.20 %, and 96.21 ± 0.50 %, respectively. Among the models, Langmuir isotherm (R2: 0.9992) and pseudo-second order (R2: 0.9999) kinetic models greatly correlate with the equilibrium data. A 2-tier membrane module was examined for continuous study and reached 88.23 ± 0.60 % Cr6+ removal. Statistical analysis was performed to confirm the significance of adsorption results. The likelihood of the desorption and regeneration of the treated biosorbent was investigated. The estimated cost per volume of ITE treated and unit of pollutant removal from ITE employing Musa balbisiana bract biosorbent is around $3.08/m3 and $3.75/kg.

Biosorption of heavy metal ions using a wood-rot fungus Schizophyllum commune

In this study, the ability of live mycelia of Schizophyllum commune to remove heavy metals from aqueous solution was investigated. The influence of various experimental parameters, such as pH, temperature, and contact time on the biosorption process was investigated. The maximum biosorption capacity using live biomass was found as 81.5, 90.71, 70.18, and 66.18 mg/g for Pb(II), Sr(II), Zn(II), and Cd(II), respectively, at optimized conditions. The biosorption process reaches equilibrium between 180 and 240 min for the tested metal ions. The experimental data were used to study biosorption isotherm and kinetics models. The thermodynamic parameters, ΔG°, ΔH°, and ΔS°, showed that the biosorption process was endothermic and spontaneous at 303–343 K. SEM images revealed that the presence of metal ions altered the morphology of fungal hyphae. The presence of Pb(II), Sr(II), Zn(II), and Cd(II)on the fungal mycelia was confirmed using SEM-EDX. FTIR spectroscopy of biomass showed the involvement of functional groups like, -CH, amino acid, fatty acid, carboxyl group, and alkane and alkyl groups in adsorption of heavy metal ions. The adsorption capacity of S. commune for removal of heavy metals under the optimized conditions was Sr(II) > Pb(II) > Zn(II) > Cd(II). Thus, the study demonstrated an application of Schizophyllum commune for efficient removal of heavy metals from metal-contaminated water or industrial effluents.

Intensification and characterization of biosorption of microalgal cells on filamentous fungal pellets as effective tools for harvesting of microalgal biomass

Microalgae are promising resources with a variety of advantages and applications. However, their harvesting cost in large-scale cultivation may account for 20–30 % and in some instances up to 50 % of the overall production cost. This study then aimed to apply biosorption of microalgal cells by using fungal pellets as an alternative low-cost and practical harvesting technique. Among the fungal strains screened, Aspergillus tubingensis TSIP9 formed spherical, mycelium packed and consistent in size. The biosorption of microalgal cells process was optimized through response surface methodology (RSM). The maximum harvesting efficiency of 98.3 ± 1.2 % was achieved when using pellet loading of 60 % and pH 5.0. The biosorption process can be explained by Langmuir isotherm model with the maximum biosorption capacity (qmax) of 0.338 g/g and the Langmuir constant (K) of 0.999 L/g. Pseudo-first-order model is suitable for describing the biosorption kinetics of microalgal cells on fungal pellets. The application of fungal pellets in downstream process for microalgae cultivation was attempted. The fungal pellets could harvest microalgal cells as high as 3.70 × 1011 cells/g after 5 cycles of repeated harvesting process. FTIR analysis revealed the possible functional groups involved in fungi-microalgae interaction are CO, CO, CN, and CH. These results indicated that the potential of fungal pellets as effective tools for harvesting/immobilizing microalgal cells and their practical applications in harvesting on a large scale and resource recycling.

Algae Modified Alginate Beads for Improved Cd(II) Removal from Aqueous Solutions

The aim of this research was to synthesize alginate beads. The beads were modified with a mixture of three different species of algae. Both synthesized beads were evaluated for the efficiency of Cd(II) removal from aqueous solutions as one of the currently most sustainable metal removal methods. The focus was on the characterization of synthesized beads and their stability. The characterization was performed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The specific surface area was determined. Cd(II) ion standard solutions were brought into contact with unmodified and modified beads. The experimental results showed that the most influential factors on biosorption are pH value and temperature. The maximum biosorption of Cd(II) ions was achieved at 181.0 mg/g. Kinetic and thermodynamic studies were carried out. The data obtained followed pseudo-second-order kinetics.

Cu(II) Biosorption and Synthesis of CuO Nanoparticles by Staphylococcus epidermidis CECT 4183: Evaluation of the Biocidal Effect

Copper contamination of natural waters is a global problem that affects ecosystems and public health, yet this metal is an essential micronutrient and has important applications. The efficacy of Staphylococcus epidermidis CECT 4183 as a Cu(II) biosorbent in synthetic solutions and its potential ability to synthesize CuO nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) from its cellular extract was investigated. In addition, the biocidal potential of the nanoparticles was evaluated against five microorganisms. Using response surface methodology, the optimal operating conditions were determined to be biomass dose, 0.2 g/L, and pH 5.5. Equilibrium tests were performed, and biosorption isotherms were obtained for four models with a maximum biosorption capacity of 48.14 mg/g for the Langmuir model. Different spectroscopic and microscopic techniques were used to determine the mechanisms involved in the biosorption process, which was dominated by surface physicochemical interactions with strong involvement of methyl, methylene, carbonyl, amino, and phosphate groups. The techniques also allowed for characterizing the obtained nanoparticles, which had a quasi-spherical morphology and an average size of 14 nm. Finally, biocidal tests showed that the CuO-NPs had a good inhibitory capacity for the microorganisms tested, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) between 62.5 and 500 µg/mL for bacteria and between 1000 and 2000 µg/mL for yeasts. S. epidermidis CECT 4183 showed good potential for Cu(II) bioremediation and for the synthesis of CuO-NPs with biocidal capacity. S. epidermidis CECT 4183 showed good potential for use in Cu(II) biosorption, and its cell extract presented a high capacity for the green synthesis of CuO-NPs, which at the same time turned out to be good biocidal agents.

Efficient metal ions biosorption on red and green algae biomass: Isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamic study

In this study two types of marine algae: red algae (Callithamnion corymbosum – CC-RAB) and green algae (Ulva lactuca – UL-GAB), were used for the retention of Cu2+, Zn2+ and Co2+ ions from aqueous media, by biosorption. Both types of marine algae are abundant on the Romanian coast of the Black Sea and, since they have no uses, they represent a serious problem for the beach area. Therefore, their use as biosorbents for the recovery of some metal ions of strategic industrial importance (such as Cu2+, Zn2+ and Co2+ ions) may represent a way to valorise this biomass resource. In order to evaluate the biosorptive performances of the red algae biomass (CC-RAB) and green algae biomass (UL-GAB), batch experimental studies were carried out at different initial solution pH, biosorbent dose, initial metal ions concentration contact time and temperature. The optimal conditions (pH = 5.0; 2.0 g biosorbent L-1, 3 h, 25 ±1 °C) were then used to obtain kinetic curves and biosorption isotherms, which were modelled. The pseudo-second order kinetic model best fits the kinetic data, while the biosorption isotherms are described by the Langmuir model, for all studied metal ions on both biosorbents. The maximum biosorption capacity depends on the nature of algae biosorbent, and follows the order: Cu2+ (81.25 mg g-1) > Zn2+ (73.69 mg g-1) > Co2+ (27.89 mg g-1) in the case of CC-RAB, and Zn2+ (69.29 mg g-1) > Cu2+ (43.47 mg g-1) > Co2+ (26.15 mg g-1) in the case of UL-GAB. The thermodynamic parameters (∆G0, ∆H0 and ∆S0) were also evaluated, and the obtained values indicate that all biosorption processes are spontaneous and endothermic. In addition, desorption of metal ions is quantitative in acid media, but the biosorption capacities decrease significantly after the first cycle of use. All these aspects have important environmental implications, and may provide benchmarks in the design of a strategy for the valorisation of this biomass resource.

Sorption of chromium from aqueous solutions using Fucus vesiculosus algae biosorbent

The presence of heavy metals in wastewater is an environmental concern and the current treatment procedures are very expensive so it is necessary to find effective and inexpensive biosorbents. In this study, Fucus vesiculosus was used as a biosorbent for the biosorption of Cr(III) ions from the aqueous solutions. Biosorption parameters, such as pH, adsorbent dose, contact time, and initial concentrations of Cr(III) had the most impact on the sorption process. The required pH value for sorption was 5, the biosorbent dose was 4.0 g/L, the contact time was seen to occur after 90 min, and the Cr(III) removal decreased from 98.9 to 92%. The maximum biosorption capacity of chromium was 14.12 mg/g. FTIR analysis of Fucus vesiculosus biomass before the sorption process contains carboxyl, amino, hydroxyl, alkyne, and carbonyl groups, and according to the analysis after the sorption process, it was found that Cr(III) metal ions were incorporated within the sorbent during the interaction with (=C–H) active functional groups. The biosorption data were found to be perfectly suited by Langmuir equilibrium isotherm model. According to the results of this study, Fucus vesiculosus is an effective biosorbent for the removal of Cr(III) from aqueous solutions.

Enteromorpha compressa Macroalgal Biomass Nanoparticles as Eco-Friendly Biosorbents for the Efficient Removal of Harmful Metals from Aqueous Solutions

This study focuses on the biosorption of harmful metals from aqueous solutions using Enteromorpha compressa macroalgal biomass nanoparticles as the biosorbent. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) were employed to characterize the biosorbent. The effects of pH, initial metal ion concentration, biosorbent dosage, and contact time on the biosorption process were investigated. The maximum biosorption capacity for metals was observed at a pH of 5.0. The experimental equilibrium data were analyzed using three-parameter isotherm models, namely Freundlich, Temkin, and Langmuir equations, which provided better fits for the equilibrium data. A contact time of approximately 120 min was required to achieve biosorption equilibrium for various initial metal concentrations. Cr(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Cd(II) demonstrated distinct maximum biosorption capacities of 24.99375 mg/g, 25.06894 mg/g, 24.55796 mg/g, 24.97502 mg/g, and 25.3936 mg/g, respectively. Different kinetic models were applied to fit the kinetic data, including intraparticle diffusion, pseudo-second-order, and pseudo-first-order versions. The pseudo-second-order model showed good agreement with the experimental results, indicating its suitability for describing the kinetics of the biosorption process. Based on these findings, it can be stated that E. compressa nanoparticle demonstrates potential as an effective biosorbent for removing targeted metals from water.

Biosorption of Cadmium by Living and Non‐living Cells of Pseudomonas aeruginosa DR7

ABSTRACTThe global concern over health issues related to heavy metal pollution has driven the adoption of various treatment technologies. The investigation into optimal conditions for cadmium biosorption and bioaccumulation was conducted using a resilient bacterial strain, Pseudomonas aeruginosa DR7, which was isolated from ponds. The equilibrium time of the adsorption process of living cells was much longer than that of non‐living cells, which was about 240 min, which indicates that living cells have intracellular accumulation and delay the adsorption process. Living cells favored a pH of 6.0, while non‐living cells showed higher efficiency at pH 7.0, demonstrating the pH‐dependent nature of metal biosorption. In this context, the maximum biosorption capacities for cadmium using non‐living cells and living cells were 103.8 mg/g and 70.94 mg/g, under cell mass of 1.0 g/L, pH 7.0, initial metal concentration of 200 mg/L, and contact time of 240 min, respectively. Cadmium biosorption by living cells was more accurately described by the Freundlich isothermal model, whereas the Langmuir model was used for non‐living cells. Living cells tend to show pseudo‐second‐order kinetic adsorption behavior, while non‐living cells tend to show pseudo‐first‐order kinetic adsorption behavior. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis suggested that the hydroxyl, amino, and carboxyl groups all play a role in biosorption. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)–energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) showed that the high‐temperature treatment destroys the integrity of the cell wall, which enhances the permeability of the cell wall, thus increasing the biosorption of Cd (II) by the non‐living cells. The study found that P. aeruginosa DR7 with high temperature inactivation has a higher Cd(II) adsorption capacity than living cells, making it a green and environmentally friendly biological adsorbent for wastewater treatment with heavy metals.

Congo red removal from aqueous solution via biosorption onto Trametes trogii‐loaded poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) cryogel

AbstractIn this study, Trametes trogii‐loaded poly(2‐ hydroxyethyl methacrylate) cryogel (Tt‐PHEMA) was prepared and used as a biosorbent to remove Congo Red (CR), from aqueous solutions. The biomass and Tt‐PHEMA cryogel were characterized with scanning electron microscopy and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy. Macroporosity degree (%) and swelling ratio (%) of the Tt‐PHEMA cryogel were determined as 78.3% and 61.04%, respectively. The effect of loaded biomass amount, pH, initial CR concentration, temperature, and contact time were investigated detailedly. The maximum biosorption capacity of Tt‐PHEMA cryogel was 156.71 ± 1.22 mg g−1 at pH 6.0 at 45°C. Biosorption capacity was increased from 125.92 ± 1.524 mg g−1 to 156.71 ± 1.22 mg g−1 with increasing temperature from 25 to 45°C, demonstrating that the biosorption process was endothermic. The biosorption data were well fitted to the Freundlich isotherm and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic models. The negative Gibbs free energy change values showed favorable biosorption. The Tt‐PHEMA cryogel was easily regenerated with ethanol and used repeatedly five times without a significant change in the biosorption capacity. As a result, Trametes trogii‐loaded PHEMA cryogel has an application potential for CR removal from wastewater, taking advantage of interconnected macroporous structure cryogels.

The valorization of Prunus mahaleb shell through acid modification for the sorption of Pb2+ removal from aqueous solution

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the biosorption performance of acid-modified waste Prunus mahaleb (PMA) shells in the removal of Pb2+ ions from aqueous solutions. Changes in the morphological properties and functional components of PMA biosorbent were characterized using SEM–EDX, FT-IR, BET, and PZC analyses. The effect of various parameters such as initial Pb2+ concentration, pH, PMA dosage, contact time, and temperature on biosorption was investigated using a batch biosorption procedure. The maximum biosorption capacity, determined using the Langmuir isotherm, was calculated to be 119 mg g−1. It was found that the biosorption kinetic mechanism followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and intraparticle diffusion model. According to the determined thermodynamic parameters, the biosorption mechanism was found to be endothermic (ΔH° > 0), spontaneous (ΔS° > 0), and entropy-increasing (ΔG° < 0). The outcomes of the experiment were evaluated in comparison to other sorbents that have been previously commonly used in the literature. It was demonstrated that PMA could be a promising, environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable potential biosorbent for the removal of Pb2+ ions.

Trichoderma aureoviride hyphal pellets embedded in corncob-sodium alginate matrix for efficient uranium(VI) biosorption from aqueous solutions

The discharge of effluents containing uranium (U) ions into aquatic ecosystems poses significant risks to both human health and marine organisms. This study investigated the biosorption of U(VI) ions from aqueous solutions using corncob-sodium alginate (SA)-immobilized Trichoderma aureoviride hyphal pellets. Experimental parameters, including initial solution pH, initial concentration, temperature, and contact time, were systematically examined to understand their influence on the bioadsorption process. Results showed that the corncob-SA-immobilized T. aureoviride hyphal pellets exhibited maximum uranium biosorption capacity at an initial pH of 6.23 and a contact time of 12 h. The equilibrium data aligned with the Langmuir isotherm model, with a maximum biosorption capacity of 105.60 mg/g at 301 K. Moreover, biosorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. In terms of thermodynamic parameters, the changes in Gibbs-free energy (ΔG°) were determined to be −4.29 kJ/mol at 301 K, the changes in enthalpy (ΔH°) were 46.88 kJ/mol, and the changes in entropy (ΔS°) was 164.98 J/(mol·K). Notably, the adsorbed U(VI) could be efficiently desorbed using Na2CO3, with a maximum readsorption efficiency of 53.6%. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis revealed U(VI) ion binding onto the hyphal pellet surface. This study underscores the efficacy of corncob-SA-immobilized T. aureoviride hyphal pellets as a cost-effective and environmentally favorable biosorbent material for removing U(VI) from aquatic ecosystems.

WITHDRAWN: High crystallinity nano-biochar synthesized from lotus leaf wastes for uptake of dye molecules from synthetic and real wastewater

This article investigates the potential of lotus leaves-derived nano-biochar in eliminating methyl violet (MV) dye from synthetic and real textile wastewater. The surface of nano-biochar was characterized by TEM, BET, FTIR, XRD, DLS, and FESEM analyses. The BET surface area of nano-biochar was 456.3 m2.g-1, demonstrating an excellent specific surface area. The highest biosorption efficiency and maximum biosorption capacity of MV were 96.3% and 526.3mg/g, respectively, which were obtained at pH 10, equilibrium time of 200min, adsorbent concentration of 0.5g/L, MV ion concentration of 150 ppm, and temperature of 50oC. Also, the mechanism of the biosorpiton process shows that the process is endothermic. Based on R2 and RSME error values, the biosorpion process followed the pseudo-first-order and Langmuir models, indicating that monolayer biosorption of MV molecules on the biochar surface is dominant. Besides, nano-biochar was successfully reused in three steps with high efficiency. The impact of interference ions such as methylene blue, methyl orange, crystal violet, and brilliant blue on MV sorption was investigated and the outcomes revealed that nano-biochar has a remarkable ability to simultaneously eliminate these dye molecules. Additionally, nano-biochar could eliminate COD, BOD5, turbidity, TDS, and EC from a real textile wastewater with high efficiency. Overall, biochar nano-powder, owing to its high reusability, high sorption capacity, easy synthesis, and low-cost, can be considered an ideal option for industrial application.

Chemical modification of Aspergillus flavus extracted chitosan for uranium remediation from aqueous solution

ABSTRACT Fungal chitosan derived from Aspergillus flavus AFC was employed in the synthesis of a cross-linked polystyrene biopolymer, P-AFC, which was investigated as a biosorbent material for the effective removal of uranium ions U(VI) from aqueous solutions. The characterisation of both fungal biopolymers was achieved using Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The efficacy of the P-AFC biosorbent in removing uranium from an aqueous solution reached equilibrium in 240 minutes at an initial uranium concentration of 50 ppm, a biosorbent amount of 0.4 g/L, and a pH of 4.0. The maximum biosorption capacity for U(VI) was determined to be 128.21 mg g−1 at room temperature, calculated using the Langmuir model. Furthermore, kinetic and thermodynamic analyses indicated that the biosorption process was characterised by chemisorption, was exothermic, and occurred spontaneously (ΔHo = –59.98 kJ mol−1 and ΔSo = –113.32 J K−1 mol−1). Recycling experiments demonstrated that the material could be reused up to five times without a noticeable decrease in removal efficiency.

Bioremediation potential of microalgae for copper ion from wastewater and its impact on growth and biochemical contents: equilibrium isotherm studies

The use of microalgae to remediate heavy metal-contaminated wastewater has attracted more and more interest. In this investigation, the green microalgae Chloroidium ellipsoideum and Desmodesmus subspicatus were used to study copper uptake from nutrient media and its effect on algal growth and metabolism. The growth of C. ellipsoideum and D. subspicatus generally decreased with increasing copper concentrations. There was a decrease in the carbohydrate content of C. ellipsoideum, but an increase was observed in D. subspicatus by treatment with various copper concentrations. Low concentrations of copper helped to increase the protein content of C. ellipsoideum, but a decline in protein content was reported for D. subspicatus. By increasing the copper concentrations, an increase in the free amino acids and a decrease in the total lipid content of C. ellipsoideum and D. subspicatus were recorded. At 0.1 mgl–1 copper concentration, pH of 6.8, and algal dose of 1 g L−1, the maximum biosorption capacity of C. ellipsoideum was 0.398 mg g−1, corresponding to the maximum reduction of 68.66% of Cu2+, and 0.396 mg/g for D. subspicatus, corresponding to the maximum reduction of 59.52%. The Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Dubinin–Radushkevich models were applied to describe the isothermal biosorption of Cu2+ ions in studied algae. The Dubinin–Radushkevich model indicated that the copper biosorption mechanism was physical in nature. Cu2+ has a greater affinity for D. subspicatus than C. ellipsoideum, suggesting that C. ellipsoideum was relatively more resistant to Cu2+ toxicity than D. subspicatus. Moreover, FT-IR analysis revealed that carboxyl, amide, amino, carbonyl, hydroxyl, methyl and alkyl groups were the key groups responsible for the biosorption process. Therefore, D. subspicatus and C. ellipsoideum are efficient biosorbents for Cu2+ and can be used as biosorbents for heavy metals removal from wastewater.