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Biosorption of Pb(II) and Cr(III) from aqueous solutions: breakthrough curves and modeling studies

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Abstract

The sorption capacity parameters obtained for batch studies provide useful information about biosorption system. However, such data fail to explain the process under continuous-flow conditions. The present study is an attempt to explore the biosorption of Pb(II) and Cr(III) by straw from local wheat (Triticum aestivum). The biosorbent has been characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and surface area and elemental analyses and found to be porous and polyfunctional. S-shaped breakthrough curves were obtained at different column heights for the both metal ions. Various breakthrough parameters and saturation times have been determined. The column data have been successfully used to study the Bohart–Adams' bed depth service time (BDST) model and Yoon and Nelson's model. It was found that BDST model quite efficiently explained the whole column data whereas Yoon and Nelson model could explain it below 90 % breakthrough concentration. The predicted and calculated BDST parameters were in agreement with each other. Yoon and Nelson's constant decreased with an increase in the column height for both metal ions. Effect of change in flow rate on the Pb(II) biosorption has also been discussed with respect to BDST approach.

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Acknowledgments

One of the authors (UF) would like to thank Higher Education Commission of Pakistan for awarding an Indigenous Ph.D. Fellowship as well as assistance for the travel and research undertaken at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada.

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Author notes

  1. Janusz A. Kozinski

    Present address: Faculty of Science and Engineering, York University, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Chemistry, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

    Umar Farooq & Makshoof Athar

  2. Department of Chemistry, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan

    Misbahul Ain Khan

  3. College of Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5A9, Canada

    Umar Farooq & Janusz A. Kozinski

Authors
  1. Umar Farooq
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  2. Makshoof Athar
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  3. Misbahul Ain Khan
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  4. Janusz A. Kozinski
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Correspondence to Umar Farooq.

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Farooq, U., Athar, M., Khan, M.A. et al. Biosorption of Pb(II) and Cr(III) from aqueous solutions: breakthrough curves and modeling studies. Environ Monit Assess 185, 845–854 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-012-2595-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-012-2595-z

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