The applicability of low-cost lignocellulosic biosorbent-coir pith, for removal of cobalt (II) from aqueous solutions using batch adsorption studies has been explored herein. Adsorption characteristics of coir pith were investigated systematically by varying the experimental parameters such as, solution pH, initial metal ion concentration, contact time, adsorbent dose and temperature. The studies revealed that optimum adsorption of cobalt onto coir pith occurred in the pH range of 4.0 - 7.0. Sorption kinetics of cobalt was found to be quite rapid under ambient conditions and the process followed second-order kinetics. The experimental data have been analyzed using non-linearized forms of Langmuir, Freundlich and Redlich-Peterson adsorption isotherms for mathematical description of the process. Desorption studies showed that the quantitative recovery of Co (II) from the spent coir pith was achieved by using 0.5 N HCl. The suitability of this adsorbent for real situation has been observed, when complete removal of cobalt from nuclear power plant coolant water was obtained. The present studies successfully demonstrated the use of coir pith as an efficient adsorbent material for removal of cobalt from aqueous solutions.
SynopsisThis paper describes the swelling of cotton fiber in cadoxen containing 4.6% cadmium (w/w) and 30% ethylenediamine (w/w). A special neutral salt technique is described involving the analysis of extract as well as mother liquor which enables the determination of mechanically held liquor and hence the values of true absorption. The percentage true weight swelling values are much lower than the percentage apparent weight swelling as measured by centrifuge technique. The effect of variation in material-to-liquor ratio on the true absorption of cadmium and ethylenediamine is also investigated.
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