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Characterization and Performance of Non-Activated Apricot Stone Powder for the Remediation of Zn2+-Rich Galvanizing
Aleksandra Nesic1, Antonije Onjia2, Milan Momcilovic3
1Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences-National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Mike Petrovica Alasa 12-14, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia.
Abstract:
This study investigated the application of apricot stone, an agro-industrial by-product, as a sustainable biosorbent for the removal of Zn ions from aqueous solutions and industrial galvanic wastewater. The equilibrium data conformed well to the Sips isotherm model, indicating heterogeneous sorption behavior, and revealed a maximum sorption capacity of 58.2 mg/g. The biosorbent exhibited a high initial removal efficiency of 95% in aqueous Zn solutions, while its performance in real industrial wastewater was reduced to 55%, due to matrix interference. Ecotoxicological test using seed germination assays revealed no phytotoxic effects from the Zn-loaded sorbent. These findings demonstrate that apricot stone is an effective, low-cost, and environmentally friendly sorbent with significant potential for application in Zn-contaminated water treatment systems, contributing to circular economy and waste valorization initiatives.
