Evaluation of Eggshell-Rich Compost as Biosorbent for Removal of Pb(II) from Aqueous Solutions

Soares, Micaela A. R.; Marto, Sofia; Quina, Margarida J.; Gando-Ferreira, Licínio; Quinta-Ferreira, Rosa

Evaluation of Eggshell-Rich Compost as Biosorbent for Removal of Pb(II) from Aqueous Solutions

2016

Soares, Micaela A. R. | Marto, Sofia | Quina, Margarida J. | Gando-Ferreira, Licínio | Quinta-Ferreira, Rosa

This study aims to evaluate a new biosorbent derived from co-composting eggshell with other organic materials (potato peels, grass clipping, and rice husk) for uptaking Pb(II) from an aqueous medium. This biosorbent contains a high amount of eggshell (30 % w/w; CES) and its performance was compared to mature compost without eggshell (CWES) and natural eggshell (ES). Sorption kinetics and equilibrium data were fitted to pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models, respectively. From a kinetic point of view, lead sorption into CES was fast, attaining equilibrium within less than 180 min. Batch experiments indicated that maximum sorption capacity of Pb into CES is 23 mg g⁻¹. The sorption capacity of CES was not significantly dependent on pH within the range of 2–5.5. In comparison to ES, organic matter of CES provided supplementary sites for lead sorption and an increase of 43 % in the sorption capacity was observed. Nevertheless, CWES was the biosorbent with higher sorption capacity. Still, this study points out the potential of new use of CES as an effective biosorbent to lead removal from aqueous matrices.

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