Influence of pH, ionic strength and temperature on lead biosorption by Gelidium and agar extraction algal waste

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2005

Authors

Vitor Vilar (Author) FEUP; Cidália Botelho (Author) FEUP; Rui Boaventura (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Process Biochemistry

Vol. 40

Pages: 3267-3275

ISSN: 1359-5113

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 112 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 152 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Environmental engineering

CORDIS: Technological sciences > Technology > Environmental technology

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-000-180

DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2005.03.023

Abstract (EN): An algal industrial waste from an agar extraction process was used as an inexpensive and efficient biosorbent for Pb2+ removal from aqueous solutions. This biosorbent was compared with the alga Gelidium, the raw material for agar extraction. The effects of various physicochemical parameters on Pb2+ biosorption were investigated in a batch contactor in order to explain the adsorption mechanism. Kinetic and equilibrium experiments were conducted at different values of pH (3.0, 4.0 and 5.3), ionic strength (0.001 and 0.1 M) and temperature (1045 degrees C). Uptake kinetics follows the pseudo-second-order Lagergren model and equilibrium is well described by Langmuir isotherm. Maximum biosorption capacities for Gelidium algae and algal waste were found to be 64 +/- 2 and 44 +/- 3 mg Pb2+/g biosorbent, respectively. Biosorption of Pb2+ was highly pH dependent, decreasing with pH. Good performances were obtained even under high ionic strength values. Changes in standard enthalpy and activation energy during biosorption were determined.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9