Biosorption of cadmium(II) from aqueous solution onto Hydrilla verticillata

Biosorption is an effective method to remove heavy metals from wastewater. In this work, the biosorption of Cd(II) onto Hydrilla verticillata was examined in aqueous solution with parameters of initial pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, initial Cd(II) concentration, temperature, and co-existing ion. Linear Langmuir and Freundlich models were applied to describe the equilibrium isotherms, and both of the two models were fitted well. The monolayer adsorption capacity of Cd(II) was found to be 50 mg/g at pH 6 and 20°C. Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm model was also applied to the equilibrium data. The mean free energy of adsorption (11.18 kJ/mol) indicated that the adsorption of Cd(II) onto H. verticillata might be carried out via chemical ion-exchange mechanism. Thermodynamic parameters, including free energy (∆G ⁰), enthalpy (∆H ⁰), and entropy (∆S ⁰) of adsorption, were also calculated. These results showed that the biosorption of Cd(II) onto H. verticillata was a feasible, spontaneous, and exothermic process in nature. Desorption experiments indicated that 0.01 mol/L EDTA and HNO₃ were efficient desorbents for the recovery of Cd(II) from biomass. IR spectrum analysis suggested that amido, hydroxyl, C=O and C–O could combine strongly with Cd(II). EDX spectrum analysis suggested that an ion exchange mechanism might be involved.