Copper(II) and zinc(II) biosorption on Pinus sylvestris L

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Biotechnology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Heavy metal contamination in aqueous solutions poses significant environmental and health risks.
• Biomass-based adsorbents offer a sustainable and cost-effective alternative for metal ion removal.
• Pinus sylvestris L. cone biomass presents a potential renewable resource for biosorption applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the biosorption capacity of Pinus sylvestris L. cone biomass for copper(II) and zinc(II) ions.
• To determine the influence of pH on the removal efficiency of these metal ions.
• To evaluate the applicability of kinetic and isotherm models in describing the biosorption process.

Main Methods:

• Batch biosorption experiments were conducted using single metal solutions.
• The effect of pH on metal ion removal was systematically studied.
• Biosorption kinetics and equilibrium were analyzed using second-order, Freundlich, and Langmuir models at 25°C.

Main Results:

• The biosorption of copper(II) and zinc(II) increased with increasing pH.
• Maximum biosorption efficiencies reached 67% for Cu(II) and 30% for Zn(II).
• Biosorption data were well-described by both the Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption models, with constants determined at 25°C.

Conclusions:

• Pinus sylvestris L. cone biomass demonstrates significant potential for the removal of copper(II) and zinc(II) from aqueous solutions.
• The biosorption process is pH-dependent and can be accurately modeled by both Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms.
• This study highlights the utility of agricultural waste like pine cones as effective biosorbents for heavy metal remediation.