Equilibrium and Kinetic Studies on the Removal of Reactive Red 2 Dye from an Aqueous Solution Using a Positively Charged Functional Group of the Nymphaea rubra Biosorbent

Nymphaea rubra stem was used as a low cost and easily available biosorbent for the removal of Reactive Red 2 dye from an aqueous solution. Initially, the effects of biosorbent dosage (0.2–1.0 g L^–1), pH (1–6), and dye concentration (30–110 mg L^–1) on dye removal were studied. Batch experiments were carried out for biosorption kinetics and isotherm studies. The results showed that dye uptake capacity was found to increase with a decrease in biosorbent dosage. Equilibrium uptake capacity was found to be greatest at a pH value of 2.0, when compared to all other pH values studied. The equilibrium biosorption isotherms were analyzed by the Freundlich and Langmuir models. The equilibrium data was found to fit very well with the Freundlich isotherm model when compared to the Langmuir isotherm model. The kinetic data was analyzed using pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order kinetic models. From the results, it was observed that the kinetic data was found to fit the pseudo-second order kinetic model very well. The surface morphology of the stem of the N. rubra biosorbent was exemplified by scanning electron microscopy. Fourier transform infrared analysis was employed to confirm the existence of an amine group in the stem of N. rubra.     

Cd(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II) Removal from Contaminated Water by Biosorption Using Activated Sludge Biomass

Biosorption using activated sludge biomass (ASB) as a potentially sustainable technology for the treatment of wastewater containing different metal ions (Cd(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II)) was investigated. ASB metal uptake clearly competed with protons consumed by microbial biomass compared with control tests with non‐activated sludge biomass. Biosorption tests confirmed maximum exchange between metal ions and protons at pH 2.0–4.5. It was revealed by the study that the amount of metal ions released from the biomass increased with biomass sludge concentration. The result showed that maximum absorption of metal ions was observed for Cd(II) at pH 3.5, Pb(II) at pH 4.0, and pH 4.5 for Zn(II) ions. The maximum absorption capacities of ASB for Cd(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II) were determined to be 59.3, 68.5 and 86.5%, respectively. The biosorption of heavy metals was directly proportional to ASB stabilization corresponding to a reduction in heavy metals in the order of Cd < Pb < Zn. The order of increase of biosorption of metal ions in ASB was Zn(II) < Pb(II) < Cd(II), and this was opposite to that of non active sludge. The results indicate that ASB is a sustainable tools for the bioremediation of Cd(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II) ions from industrial sludge and wastewater treatment plants.     

Removal and Recovery of Molybdenum from Aqueous Solutions by Adsorption onto Surfactant‐Modified Coir Pith,a Lignocellulosic Polymer

Coconut coir pith, a lignocellulosic polymer, is an unwanted by‐product of the coir fiber industry. The pith was used as a biosorbent for the removal of Molybdenum(VI) after modification with a cationic surfactant, hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide. The optimum pH for maximum adsorption of Mo(VI) was found to be 3.0. Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin Radushkevich isotherms were used to model the adsorption equilibrium data and the system was seen to follow all three isotherms. The Langmuir adsorption capacity of the biosorbent was found to be 57.5 mg g^–1. Kinetic studies showed that the adsorption generally obeyed a second‐order kinetic model. Desorption studies showed that the recovery of Mo(VI) from the spent adsorbent was feasible. The effect of foreign anions on the adsorption of Mo(VI) was also examined.     

Response Surface Optimization for Removal of Cadmium from Aqueous Solution by Waste Agricultural Biosorbent Psidium guvajava L. Leaf Powder

Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to study the combined effects of the various parameters namely, pH, biosorbent dosage, cadmium concentration and temperature, and to optimize the process conditions for the maximum removal of cadmium using Psidium guvajava L. leaf powder. In order to obtain the mutual interactions between the variables and to optimize these variables, a 2⁴ full factorial central composite design using RSM was employed. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the quadratic model demonstrates that the model was highly significant. The model was statistically tested and verified by experimentation. A maximum cadmium removal of 93.2% was obtained under the following optimum conditions: aqueous cadmium concentration 40.15 mg/L, adsorbent dosage 0.5 g/50 mL solution, pH 5.0, and temperature (35°C). The value of desirability factor obtained was 1.     

Biosorption Kinetics and Isotherm Studies of Cd(II) by Dried Enteromorpha compressa Macroalgae Cells from Aqueous Solutions

For the first time ever, Enteromorpha compressa macroalgae (ECM), which is commonly found in Turkey, has been used as biosorbent by us. This study aims to investigate the biosorption of Cd²⁺ from aqueous solutions in a batch system by using an alga of ECM in different concentrations, pH levels, agitation rates (90–150 rpm), and contact periods. The maximum biosorption capacity of the ECM was found to be 9.50 mg/g at pH 6, Cd²⁺ initial concentration of 10 mg/L and agitation rate 150 rpm. Cadmium removal efficiency was about 95%. The experimental isotherm data were analyzed using the Langmuir and Freundlich equations. Isotherm parameters for both equations were determined and discussed. The stated biosorption mechanism is explained by the Freundlich isotherm (r² = 0.998) theory. Two simplified kinetic models including a pseudo‐first‐ and second‐order equation were selected to follow the biosorption process. Kinetic parameters; rate constants, equilibrium adsorption capacities and related correlation coefficients, for each kinetic model were calculated and discussed. It was shown that the biosorption of cadmium onto ECM could be described by the pseudo‐second‐order equation (r² > 0.99).     

Biosorption of Procion Red MX 5B by Bacillus subtilis and Its Extracellular Polysaccharide: Effect of Immobilization

Bacillus subtilis and its extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) were used in free form as well as immobilized form as biosorbent for the removal of an anionic dye Procion Red MX 5B. Low pH was favourable for biosorption. Immobilization resulted in reduced biosorption of the dye. The presence of functional groups responsible for the high adsorption capacity in free cells (FC) and EPS was confirmed by FTIR analysis. High Q_max and b values were noted in the case of FC and free EPS in contrast to immobilized cells and EPS. The kinetics data showed that the adsorption system followed pseudo‐first‐order reaction at low dye concentration. Desorption of the dye was found to be 100% in 1 N NaOH. In the case of immobilized biomass and EPS the alginate was found to be unstable under high alkaline conditions of NaOH.     

Biosorption of Cd(II) and Zn(II) by Nostoc commune: Isotherm and Kinetics Studies

In this study, Nostoc commune (cyanobacterium) was used as an inexpensive and efficient biosorbent for Cd(II) and Zn(II) removal from aqueous solutions. The effect of various physicochemical factors on Cd(II) and Zn(II) biosorption such as pH 2.0–7.0, initial metal concentration 0.0–300 mg/L and contact time 0–120 min were studied. Optimum pH for removal of Cd(II) and Zn(II) was 6.0, while the contact time was 30 min at room temperature. The nature of biosorbent and metal ion interaction was evaluated by infrared (IR) technique. IR analysis of bacterial biomass revealed the presence of amino, carboxyl, hydroxyl, and carbonyl groups, which are responsible for biosorption of Cd(II) and Zn (II). The maximum biosorption capacities for Cd(II) and Zn(II) biosorption by N. commune calculated from Langmuir biosorption isotherm were 126.32 and 115.41 mg/g, respectively. The biosorption isotherm for two biosorbents fitted well with Freundlich isotherm than Langmuir model with correlation coefficient (r² < 0.99). The biosorption kinetic data were fitted well with the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. Thus, this study indicated that the N. commune is an efficient biosorbent for the removal of Cd(II) and Zn(II) from aqueous solutions.     

Biosorption of Cadmium(II) Ions by Citrus Peels in a Packed Bed Column: Effect of Process Parameters and Comparison of Different Breakthrough Curve Models

The efficiency of low cost citrus peels as biosorbents for removal of cadmium ions from aqueous solution was investigated in a fixed bed column, a process that could be applied to treat industrial wastewaters similar to commonly used ion exchange columns. Effluent concentration versus time profiles (i.e., breakthrough curves) were experimentally determined in a laboratory‐scale packed bed column for varying operational parameters such as flow rate (2, 9, and 15.5 mL/min), influent cadmium concentration (5, 10, and 15 mg/L), and bed height (24, 48, and 72 cm) at pH 5.5. Column operation was most efficient for empty bed contact times of at least 10 min, which were apparently necessary for mass transfer. While the sorption capacity was largely unaffected by operational variables, the Thomas (Th) rate constant increased with the flow rate, and slightly decreased with increasing column length. Three widely used semi‐mechanistic models (Th, Bohart–Adams, and Yoon–Nelson) were shown to be equivalent and the generalized model was compared with a two‐parameter empirical model (dose‐response). The latter was found to be able to better simulate the breakthrough curve in the region of breakthrough and saturation.     

Immobilization of Mycoplana sp. MVMB2 Isolated from Petroleum Contaminated Soil onto Papaya Stem (Carica papaya L.) and Its Application on Degradation of Phenanthrene

This study presents the degradation of phenanthrene using immobilized Mycoplana sp. MVMB2 isolated from contaminated soil. Papaya stem pretreated by two stage processes, treating with acid or alkali and drying, was used for the immobilization of Mycoplana sp. Alkali pretreated papaya stem was found to be most effective in cell uptake compared to acid treated one. The maximum immobilization capacity at various physiochemical conditions for the alkali pretreated papaya stem was found to be at 320 min time, pH 6.5, 30°C temperature, and 18.6 × 10⁶ cells/mL initial concentrations. The adsorption mechanism of Mycoplana sp. MVMB2 on pretreated papaya stem was assessed using various kinetic and isotherm models. The immobilization of Mycoplana sp. MVMB2 on to pretreated papaya stem was corroborated by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transformed IR spectroscopy analysis. The performance of immobilized cells in batch reactor showed more than 95% phenanthrene degradation within 72 h, whereas, free cells were found to require 120 h. The immobilized cells also showed better degradation performance in the packed column study.     

Treatability of Dye Solutions Containing Disperse Dyes by Fenton and Fenton‐Solar Light Oxidation Processes

This study attempts to explore the possibility of treating dye solutions containing Disperse Yellow 119 and Disperse Red 167 by Fenton and Fenton under solar‐light oxidation processes. Experiments were conducted to examine the effects of various operating conditions on the performance of the treatment systems. The Fenton results showed that 98.6% spectral absorption coefficient (SAC) and 90.8% chemical oxygen demand (COD) removals were proved at pH 3, 50 mg/L Fe²⁺, and 75 mg/L H₂O₂, 15 min oxidation time for Disperse Yellow 119. After 40 min solar irradiation time during Fenton process the SAC removal was 99.1%. COD reduction of about 98.3% was observed at the same time. It was also obtained as 97.8% SAC and 97.7% COD removal with pH 3, 75 mg/L Fe²⁺, 100 mg/L H₂O₂, and 25 min oxidation time for Disperse Red 167 at this optimum conditions. For Disperse Red 167 during Fenton under solar light process, after 40 min of solar irradiation time the SAC and COD reduction were obtained 99.3 and 98.4%, respectively.     

Biosorption of Cd(II), Ni(II) and Pb(II) from Aqueous Solution by Dried Biomass of Aspergillus niger: Application of Response Surface Methodology to the Optimization of Process Parameters

In this study, the biosorption of Cd(II), Ni(II) and Pb(II) on Aspergillus niger in a batch system was investigated, and optimal condition determined by means of central composite design (CCD) under response surface methodology (RSM). Biomass inactivated by heat and pretreated by alkali solution was used in the determination of optimal conditions. The effect of initial solution pH, biomass dose and initial ion concentration on the removal efficiency of metal ions by A. niger was optimized using a design of experiment (DOE) method. Experimental results indicated that the optimal conditions for biosorption were 5.22 g/L, 89.93 mg/L and 6.01 for biomass dose, initial ion concentration and solution pH, respectively. Enhancement of metal biosorption capacity of the dried biomass by pretreatment with sodium hydroxide was observed. Maximal removal efficiencies for Cd(II), Ni(III) and Pb(II) ions of 98, 80 and 99% were achieved, respectively. The biosorption capacity of A. niger biomass obtained for Cd(II), Ni(II) and Pb(II) ions was 2.2, 1.6 and 4.7 mg/g, respectively. According to these observations the fungal biomass of A. niger is a suitable biosorbent for the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions. Multiple response optimization was applied to the experimental data to discover the optimal conditions for a set of responses, simultaneously, by using a desirability function.     

Removal of Basic Textile Dyes in Single and Multi‐Dye Solutions by Adsorption: Statistical Optimization and Equilibrium Isotherm Studies

The removal of three basic dyes by adsorption onto bentonite was investigated for single, binary, and ternary solutions in a batch system. Before and after dye adsorption, bentonite samples were analyzed by using X‐ray fluorescence spectrometer, SEM, and Fourier transform IR spectrometry. The D‐optimal design and response surface methodology were applied in designing the experiments for evaluating the interactive effects of each initial concentrations variable of the dyes in binary systems. Predicted values were found to be in good agreement with experimental values, which defined propriety of the model and the achievement of D‐optimal in optimization of adsorption of binary dye systems. The competitive adsorption results showed that the adsorption amount of a dye was suppressed in the presence and increasing concentrations of second or third dye. For mono‐component isotherm modeling, Langmuir and Freundlich models were applied to equilibrium data of single, binary, and ternary dye solutions, while modified Langmuir, Sheindrof–Rebhun–Sheintuch and modified extended Freundlich models were also applied to equilibrium data of binary dye solutions for multi‐component isotherm modeling. The results showed that the Langmuir was the more suitable model for single dye systems while extended Freundlich model fitted best to the experimental data with the lowest error values for multi‐dye systems.     

Removal of COD from Industrial Effluent Containing Indigo Dye Using Adsorption Method by Activated Carbon Cloth: Optimization,Kinetic, and Isotherm Studies

The pollution of underground and surface water streams is a tremendous environmental problem. Adsorption, in which activated carbon (AC) is used as an adsorbent, is one of efficient procedures to remove organic and inorganic pollutants from industrial wastewaters. Activated carbon fiber (ACF), a newly developed form of AC, has high adsorption rate and surface area and can be used for the treatment of industrial wastewaters. In this work, ACF was prepared by physicochemical activation method from kenaf and we studied its ability in the treatment of indigo‐containing wastewater produced from a dying factory. The filtered wastewater was treated via adsorption by ACF, and response surface experimental design method was used to study the effect of ACF dosage, contact time, temperature, and pH of the wastewater on the removal process. ACF dosage of 0.256 g, temperature of 12.5°C, pH 8.5, and contact time of 125 min were optimum treatment conditions. The adsorption process obeys pseudo‐second‐order kinetic and Freundlich isotherm models.     

Interaction between Epistylis sp. and copepods in tropical lakes: responses of epibiont infestation to species host density

Interaction between Epistylis sp. and copepods was investigated in 3 tropical lakes. Epibiont load was higher in Thermocyclops minutus compared to Notodiaptomus ssp. at light compensation depth. No difference was found at surface. Infestation of Epistylis sp. seems to respond to copepod species densities. Attaching to more abundant copepods may increase encounter rates of epibionts with its hosts, raising biological efficiency of it even if attaching to smaller hosts when rare larger ones are present.     

基于粘弹库仑应力变化的后续最大地震震级估计及2008、2014年于田两次7.3级地震之间的关系讨论

在前人关于于田地区地壳水平分层模型研究的基础上,结合于田台GPS连续观测资料粗略确定各层的粘滞系数。基于粘弹水平分层模型,分别计算了2008、2014年两次于田7.3级地震的粘弹同震库仑应力变化。基于粘弹库仑应力变化,采用“直接”余震频次的计算方法,计算了区域范围内与主震同震库仑应力变化直接相关的理论地震频次。提出基于理论与实际地震频次对比以及理论与实际地震频次-距离衰减曲线拟合残差对比估计与主震同震库仑应力变化直接相关的后续最大地震震级的方法。不同方法的计算结果显示,与2008年于田7.3级地震同震库仑应力变化直接相关的最大后续地震震级为MS7.2~7.5,而2014年于田7.3级地震的估计为MS6.3。前者与2014年于田地震7.3的震级非常接近。由于震级相同、空间距离较近、时间间隔较短、区域外力作用相同、两次地震构造关联性较强且具有较明确的应力相互作用,因而认为2008、2014年两次7.3级地震构成一对广义的双震型地震,这与该区域以往序列类型特点相吻合。对震级下限及G-R关系b值对结果的影响进行了初步讨论,结果显示,当粘弹同震库仑应力变化确定之后,震级下限对后续最大地震震级估计影响不大,但G-R关系b值对结果有较大影响。