Algerian Journal of Engineering Research
Volume 2, Numéro 3, Pages 36-44
2018-06-01

Biosorption Characteristics Of Zinc (ii) From Aqueous Solution By Luffa Cylindrica

Authors : Imane Nouacer . Mokhtar Benalia . Ghania Hanini . Mebrouk Djedid .

Abstract

The biosorption of zinc ions from synthetic aqueous solutions using physico-chemically treated Luffa Cylindrica was considered, investigating the kinetics and equilibrium of the process batchwise. The biosorption characteristics of Zn (II) ions were studied with respect to well-established effective parameters including pH, temperature, biosorbent dosage, initial metal ion concentration and contact time. The uptake of Zn (II) increased with an increase of the pH and of the concentration. Biosorption equilibrium was established in about 90 min. The Zn (II) biosorption data were analyzed using the first and the second order kinetic models as well as intra-particular rate expressions. The second-order equation was the most appropriate to predict the biosorption capacities of the fungal preparation. The biosorption data obtained at pH =6 followed reasonably well both the Langmuir and the Freundlich isotherm models. The thermodynamic parameters, Gibbs free energy∆ࡳ ,°enthalpy ∆ࡴ °and entropy ∆�° changes, were also calculated, and the values indicated that the biosorption process was exothermic, spontaneous and feasible in the temperature range of 303–323 K. It was concluded that Luffa Cylindrica powder can be used as an effective, low cost, and environmentally friendly biosorbent for the removal of Zn (II) ions from aqueous solution.

Keywords

Biosorption; Zinc; Isotherms; Luffa sponge