Title: Effect of parameters, equilibrium and kinetic studies on removal of tin using Phoenix dactylifera biomass

Authors: N. Rajamohan

Addresses: Chemical Engineering Section, Faculty of Engineering, Sohar University, Sohar, Sultanate of Oman

Abstract: The present study investigated the sorption potential and mechanism of Phoenix dactylifera biomass for the removal of tin from its aqueous solution. The optimal conditions were evaluated through parametric studies on the influence of pH, sorbent dose, initial metal concentration, agitation speed, and temperature and particle size on metal removal efficiency. Maximum removal efficiency was achieved at pH 6.0 with an equilibrium time of 120 min. Higher sorbent quantities favoured better removal due to the availability of more free surface active sorption sites. An equation relating removal efficiency and sorbent dose was proposed. Maximum metal uptake reported in this study was 66 mg/g which is comparable with other sorbents. The optimal speed of agitation was found as 450 rpm. Higher temperatures increased the metal removal rates and sorption process was identified as endothermic in nature. Smaller particle size of the adsorbent had resulted in better removal because of the availability of more surface area per unit volume. Adsorption equilibrium data was found to be represented well by Langmuir isotherm confirming monolayer sorption, with values of R² > 0.987. The Langmuir constant was found to increase with temperature. The kinetic data fitted well to pseudo second order model

Keywords: metal removal; Phoenix dactylifera biomass; parameters; equilibrium studies; kinetic studies; tin removal; pH; sorbent dose; initial metal concentration; agitation speed; temperature; particle size; adsorption; date palm biomass; free surface active sorption; Langmuir isotherm.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2016.078599

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2016 Vol.17 No.3/4, pp.287 - 300

Received: 12 Sep 2015
Accepted: 12 Apr 2016

Published online: 25 Aug 2016 *

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