Title: Biosorptional studies on heavy metals in an up-flow packed bed reactor using biomaterials

Authors: S. Sabarunisha Begum; S. Muthukumar; S. Mohamed Yacin

Addresses: Department of Biotechnology, Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Thandalam – 602105 Chennai, Tamilnadu, India ' Department of Biotechnology, Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Thandalam – 602105 Chennai, Tamilnadu, India ' Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Thandalam – 602105 Chennai, Tamilnadu, India

Abstract: Biosorption of copper, chromium, lead and cadmium in an up-flow packed-bed bioreactor with biosorbents [sanitary sewage sludge (SS), powdered coconut shell (PCS)] was conducted in a search for solutions to the environmental problem caused by heavy metals. Analysis of the results, demonstrated that the adsorbent had an extraordinary capacity for biosorption of the heavy metals, with a removal percentage of over 90% almost for all metals. The mechanism of the process was evaluated by FT-IR analysis and the functional groups employed in the process were determined. The presence of RNO2 peak at 1,421 cm−1 for unloaded sanitary SS and the presence of C-H group of aromatic ring for unloaded PCS play a major role in adsorption process. In regeneration experiments, increase in sorption performance was observed during cycles of sorption-desorption indicates a maximum adsorption during the onset of the process. Kinetic models (Adams-Bohart model, Yoon and Nelson equation and Thomas model) analysed for the continuous packed-bed biosorption systems are used to determine the biosorption capacity, breakthrough curve of biosorbent and to design of treatment processes.

Keywords: biosorption; heavy metals; packed-bed reactors; sanitary sewage sludge; powdered coconut shells; PCS; FTIR; kinetic modelling; biomaterials; bioreactors; copper; chromium; lead; cadmium; wastewater treatment; effluent treatment; environmental pollution.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2013.056624

International Journal of Environmental Engineering, 2013 Vol.5 No.4, pp.423 - 437

Accepted: 27 Dec 2011
Published online: 31 Oct 2013 *

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