Process optimization using response surface methodology for the removal of thorium from aqueous solutions using
Sayanasri Varala1, Vivek Ravisankar2, Maha Al-Ali3
1Center for Advanced Materials and Industrial Chemistry (CAMIC), School of Science, RMIT University, Victoria, 3001, Australia; Chemical and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Victoria, 3001, Australia; Department of Chemical Engineering, M V J College of Engineering, Near ITPB Whitefield, Kadugodi, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560067. India.
Chemosphere
|August 12, 2019
Summary
Rice husk effectively removes thorium ions from water. Optimization studies show >99% removal efficiency and a biosorption capacity of 15.95 mg/g, indicating its potential for wastewater treatment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
Background:
- Thorium contamination in aqueous solutions poses environmental risks.
- Developing efficient and cost-effective sorbent materials is crucial for remediation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the adsorptive capability of rice husk for thorium ion removal.
- To optimize process variables for maximum thorium bioremoval efficiency using response surface methodology.
Main Methods:
- Batch mode adsorption experiments were conducted.
- Box-Behnken design within response surface methodology (RSM) was employed for optimization.
- Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-first-order kinetic models were used to analyze sorption data.
Main Results:
- Maximum bioremoval efficiency (B%) exceeded 99% under optimized conditions.
- Optimized conditions included an initial thorium concentration of 150 µg/L, a solid-to-liquid ratio (S/L) of 5, and an initial pH of 4.
- The maximum biosorption capacity (qe) was determined to be 15.95 mg/g.
- Sorption mechanism involves surface biosorption and intraparticle diffusion, best described by Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-first-order kinetics.
Conclusions:
- Rice husk is a highly effective biosorbent for thorium ions from aqueous solutions.
- Optimized conditions using RSM significantly enhance thorium removal efficiency.
- The study demonstrates the potential of agricultural waste like rice husk for sustainable environmental remediation.
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