Fixed Bed Biosorption Using Aquatic Macrophyte in Lead Removal

Abstract

-Adsorption process is an efficient alternative in metal ions removal. Many materials can be used in this process; among them, we can cite biological materials such as aquatic macrophytes. The macrophytes have shown a high percentage of metal ions removal and they have an advantage of being low cost and have the possibility of growing. In view of this, the aim of this work is evaluate lead removal by Salvinia natans in dynamic system. Essays were carried out in a fixed bed column for different flow rates. The result showed the higher amount of lead removed from the column was 0.152 mmo.g -1 for a flow rate of 1 mL.min -1 and an initial concentration of lead of 1 mmol.L -1 . In order to know the changes in surface morphology of S. natans before and after the process as well as the functional groups that participate of the removal of lead, the characterization using the SEM/EDX and FTIR techniques was performed.