Removal of Th(IV) ions from aqueous solution using bi-functionalized algae-yeast biosorbent

Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry volume 287, pages533–541(2011)Cite this article

Abstract

Composites could be more effective adsorbents than inorganic and organic components individually. In the present study, the red macro marine algae, Jania Rubens and yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae immobilized on silica gel were used as a constituent of bi-functionalized biosorbent to remove thorium ions from aqueous solution. Optimum biosorption conditions were determined as a function of pH, initial Th(IV) concentration, contact time, temperature, volume/mass ratio and co-ion effect. The morphological analysis of the biocomposite was performed by the scanning electron microscopy and functional groups in the biosorbent were determined by FT-IR spectroscopy. In order to find the adsorption characteristics, Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin–Radushkevich adsorption isotherms were applied to the adsorption data. The data were well described by Langmuir adsorption isotherms while the fit of Freundlich adsorption isotherms and Dubinin–Radushkevich equation to adsorption data was poor. Using the equilibrium constant value obtained at different temperature, the thermodynamics properties of the biosorption (ΔG°, ΔH° and ΔS°) were also determined. The results show that biosorption of Th(IV) ions onto biocomposite was exothermic nature, spontaneous and more favorable at lower temperature under examined conditions.

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Abbreviations

b :

Langmuir constants related to sorption energy (L/mg)

C ads :

concentration of metal sorbed onto adsorbent (mg/g)

C e :

equilibrium concentration of metal in solution (mg/L)

C i :

the concentrations of the thorium in initial solution (mg/L)

C f :

the concentrations of the thorium in final solution (mg/L)

E :

sorption energy (kJ/mol)

K d :

distribution coefficient (mL/g)

K :

empirical constants of Freundlich isotherm (mg/g)

m :

the weight of biocomposite (g)

n :

empirical constants of Freundlich isotherm

Q 0 :

Langmuir constants related to sorption capacity (mg/g)

q e :

amount of metal ions sorbed onto adsorbent (mg/g)

R :

universal gas constant (J/mol K)

T :

solution temperature (K)

V:

volume of the aqueous phase (mL)

X m :

the maximum sorption capacity of D-R isotherm (mmol/g)

β :

constant related to biosorption energy (mol/J)2

ε :

the Polanyi potential (kJ/mol)

∆H°:

the change in enthalpy (kJ/mol)

∆S°:

the change in entropy (kJ/mol K)

ΔG°:

Gibbs free energy change (kJ/mol)

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Acknowledgments

Cem Gök would like to acknowledge The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) for providing necessary fellowships. The authors also would like to express sincere thanks to Assoc.Prof.Dr. M.A.A. Aslani, Prof.Dr. S. Akyıl Erentürk and Ress. Assist. S. Doyurum for their helps and supports.

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Affiliations

  1. Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Ege University, Bornova, 35100, Izmir, Turkey

    Cem Gok & Sule Aytas

  2. Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Department of Environmental Engineering, Yuzuncu Yil University, Zeve Campus, 65080, Van, Turkey

    Dogukan Alkim Turkozu

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  1. Cem Gok
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  2. Dogukan Alkim Turkozu
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  3. Sule Aytas
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Correspondence to Cem Gok.

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Gok, C., Turkozu, D.A. & Aytas, S. Removal of Th(IV) ions from aqueous solution using bi-functionalized algae-yeast biosorbent. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 287, 533–541 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-010-0788-x

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Keywords

  • Thorium
  • Algae
  • Yeast
  • Biocomposite
  • Biosorption