Biosorption of Zinc(II) from Aqueous Solution by Impregnated with Hydrochloric Acid Sunflower Pulp

Abstract

The biosorption potential of impregnated with hydrochloric acid sunflower pulp as a biosorbent for zinc(II) removal from aqueous solution was investigated. The effects of initial pH, contact time, initial zinc ion concentration, biosorbent dosage and solution temperature on the biosorption processes were determined and the equilibrium data were modeled by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The Langmuir isotherm model (R²= 0.999) was proved to fit the equilibrium data much better than the Freundlich isotherm model (R²=0.5479). Optimum adsorption capacity of impregnated sunflower pulp for zinc(II) was found to be 33.08 mg /g at pH of 8  and 30°C. The kinetic data were tested using pseudo first- and second-order models. The results suggested that the pseudo second-order model (R²>0.999) was better for the description of the adsorption behavior of zinc(II) onto the impregnated sunflower pulp.

Keywords: Biosorption; Isotherms; Sunflower Pulp; Zinc (II).