Equilibrium, Kinetics and Thermodynamic studies of Cr (VI), Pb (II) & Zn (II) biosorption using Sargassum Wightii

Abstract

The removal of heavy metal ions (Cr, Pb and Zn) present in aqueous solutions has been examined utilizing Sargassum Wightii (SW) - brown algae – as an organic adsorbent. The functional groups of SW were determined by FTIR analysis before and after heavy metal ion adsorption. Because of the strong Van der Walls forces, the SEM/EDX picture reveals the presence of heavy metal ions on the surface of the SW. The influence of adsorption was studied in different settings by adjusting the parameters of pH, SW dosage, metal ion concentration, time of contact and temperature. In addition, the thermodynamic and isotherm investigations were carried out in order to determine the adsorption process and its connection. It was found that by adding 0.3 N H2SO4, the maximal desorption rate was achieved. Around 99.6% of chromium ions, 89.27% of lead ions and 82.39% of zinc ions were removed from the synthetic solutions through batch mode of adsorption studies.