Synthesized bioadsorbent from fish scale for chromium (III) removal

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Heavy metal contamination in industrial wastewater poses significant environmental risks.
• Biosorption offers a sustainable and effective method for treating such pollutants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the removal of chromium (III) ions from wastewater using waste fish scales as a bioadsorbent.
• To optimize biosorption conditions and evaluate the adsorption mechanism.

Main Methods:

• Batch adsorption experiments were conducted varying adsorbent dosage, solution pH, and contact time.
• Adsorption isotherm and kinetic models (Langmuir, pseudo-first, and second-order) were applied.
• Surface characterization of bioadsorbent and loaded material was performed using SEM, X-ray spectroscopy, FTIR, and thermal analysis.

Main Results:

• Optimal removal of 99.75% chromium (III) was achieved at 0.8 g adsorbent dosage, pH 5, and 90 min contact time for an initial concentration of 150 mg/l.
• Adsorption data best fitted the Langmuir isotherm model (R² = 0.9998) and pseudo-first and second-order kinetics (R² = 1).
• Surface analysis confirmed the biosorption of chromium onto the fish scales.

Conclusions:

• Waste fish scales are a promising, low-cost bioadsorbent for chromium (III) removal from industrial wastewater.
• The study provides valuable insights into the optimization and mechanism of chromium biosorption.
• This research contributes to sustainable wastewater treatment technologies.