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Published on: March 25, 2019
Modelling of lead removal by an aquatic moss
R J E Martins1, R A R Boaventura
1Dep. of Chemical and Biological Technology, Superior School of Technology, University of Applied Sciences of Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5301-857 Bragança, Portugal. rmartins@ipb.pt
Summary
The aquatic bryophyte Fontinalis antipyretica effectively removes lead from wastewater. Biosorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second order model, indicating its potential for industrial wastewater treatment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Biotechnology
- Water Treatment
Background:
- Aquatic bryophytes are effective biomonitors for trace metals.
- Biosorption offers a cost-effective method for treating metal-contaminated industrial wastewaters.
- Understanding biosorption kinetics is crucial for designing efficient wastewater treatment systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the biosorption capacity of Fontinalis antipyretica for lead removal from simulated wastewater.
- To investigate the influence of initial pH, contact time, and initial metal concentration on lead biosorption.
- To determine the best-fit kinetic model for lead biosorption by Fontinalis antipyretica.
Main Methods:
- Simulated wastewater containing lead ions was treated using Fontinalis antipyretica.
- Experiments were conducted to assess the effect of initial pH (4.0-6.0 optimum), contact time, and initial lead concentration.
- Biosorption data were fitted to pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, and Elovich kinetic models.
- Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms were assessed.
Main Results:
- Optimal pH for lead biosorption was found to be between 4.0 and 6.0.
- Lead sorption capacity increased significantly with initial metal ion concentration, reaching 10 times higher at 100 mg L⁻¹ compared to 10 mg L⁻¹.
- The pseudo-second order model demonstrated the best correlation (R²=1.00) with the experimental data.
- Maximum lead sorption capacity was determined to be 68 mg g⁻¹.
Conclusions:
- Fontinalis antipyretica is a promising biosorbent for lead removal from industrial wastewaters.
- The pseudo-second order kinetic model accurately describes the lead biosorption process.
- The study provides valuable data for the design and optimization of biosorption systems for heavy metal removal.
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