Affonso Celso Gonçalves

Removal of cadmium from water using by-product Crambe abyssinica Hochst seeds as biosorbent material

The effectiveness of Crambe abyssinica Hochst seeds by-product as a biosorbent for the removal of cadmium ions from wastewater was analyzed. The biomass of crambe was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy and determining the point of zero charge. The optimum adsorption conditions obtained were 400 mg of biomass in a solution of pH 6.0 and contact time of 60 min to remove 19.342 mg g(-1) cadmium ions. The isotherms of adsorption were constructed and, according to the mathematical linearization, the best fitting followed the Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich models, describing a multilayer adsorption and chemical interaction, also confirmed by the pseudo-second order model and enthalpy value. In the desorption process, about 79% of cadmium ions that had been adsorbed were recovered. The same conditions applied for studying the isotherms of adsorption and desorption were used for comparative study with activated carbon. It was concluded that the use of crambe by-product as biosorbent for cadmium removal in wastewaters was not only a viable alternative to activated carbon, but also required no previous treatment, so it represents a sustainable material with high applicability and low environmental impact.

Biosorption and removal of chromium from water by using moringa seed cake (Moringa oleifera Lam.)

This study evaluated the adsorption capacity of chromium from contaminated aqueous solutions by using Moringa oleifera Lam. seeds. Parameters such as solution pH, adsorbent mass, contact time between solution and adsorbent, isotherms, thermodynamic, kinetics, and desorption were evaluated. The maximum adsorption capacity (Qm) calculated to be 3.191 mg g-1 for the biosorbent. Activated carbon was used for comparison purposes in addition to the biosorbent. The best fit was obtained by the Langmuir model for both adsorbents. The average desorption value indicated that both the biosorbent and activated carbon have a strong interaction with the metal. The results showed that the biosorbent has advantages owing to its low cost and efficiency in Cr3+ removal from contaminated waters.

Preparation and evaluation of kinetics and thermodynamics studies of lead adsorption onto chemically modified banana peels

Abstract The use of alternative materials for environmental decontamination has been intensively studied. In this study, the capacity of banana peels treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), hydrochloric acid (HCl), and phosphoric acid (H3PO4) to adsorb Pb (II) was evaluated. The physical and chemical changes on the banana peels after chemical treatment were evaluated by infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out as a function of pH, time, metal concentration, and temperature; desorption tests were also performed. Pb (II) concentrations were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. An increase in the adsorption capacity of the modified and natural peels was observed in the pH range of 3–5, and pH 5 was adopted for further experiments. The adsorption system reached equilibrium in 300 min, and its kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order equation. From adsorption isotherms, it was observed considerable enhance on adsorption capacity of bana...

The use of Crambe abyssinica seeds as adsorbent in the removal of metals from waters

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of crambe seeds (Crambe abyssinica Hochst) as adsorbent material in the removal of the toxic metals cadmium, lead and chromium from contaminated solutions. The byproduct was obtained from oil extraction of crambe seeds in a Soxhlet system. In kinetic tests, the adsorbent masses had varied in solutions containing the metals under pH 5.0 and 7.0. Metal concentrations were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). According to optimal conditions found, the adsorption assays were performed for obtaining the isotherms of each metal, which were linearized in agreement with the mathematical models of Langmuir and Freundlich. According to the obtained results, the adsorbent was effective in removing the assessed metals in aqueous solutions, being feasible its employment as an alternative material for the adsorption of metals, besides being a byproduct, which has undergone no prior treatment.

A Crambe abyssinica seed by-product as biosorbent for lead(II) removal from water

AbstractThis study assessed the performance of a Crambe abyssinica Hochst seed by-product as biosorbent for removing lead [Pb(II)] ions from water. The material was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy techniques as well as by point of zero charge (pHPCZ) measurement. The following parameters were determined after adsorption experiments: solution pH, biosorbent mass, contact time, and temperature. The optimal conditions were found to be mass –400 mg, solution pH 7.0, and equilibration time –20 min; they were used for performing isotherm tests. The isotherms were best fitted to the Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich mathematical models. Based on the results of kinetic and thermodynamic studies (pseudo-second-order kinetics, negative change in Gibbs free energy, positive change in enthalpy and low ion desorption rate), it was established that the Pb(II) ions interacted forcefully with the biosorbent, thus confirming that a spontaneous endothermic chemisorption process too...

Chemical Modifications of Cassava Peel as Adsorbent Material for Metals Ions from Wastewater

Residues from the processing of cassava roots (Manihot esculenta Crantz), or cassava peels, are evaluated as chemically modified adsorbents with H2O2, H2SO4, and NaOH, in the removal of metal ions Cd(II), Pb(II), and Cr(III) from contaminated water. Modified adsorbents were chemically characterized for their chemical composition and (point of zero charge), while adsorption tests determined the best conditions of pH, adsorbent mass, and contact time between adsorbent and adsorbate in the process of removal of the metal ions. Isotherms obtained from the preliminary results were linearized by Langmuir’s and Freudlich’s models. The thermodynamic parameters, such as , , and , were also evaluated. The modifying solutions proposed were effective in the modification of adsorbents and resulted in high capacity sorption materials. Equilibrium time between adsorbent and adsorbate for the solutions contaminated with metals is about 40 minutes. The Langmuir model adjusted to most results, indicating monolayers adsorption of Cd(II), Pb(II), and Cr(III). The values obtained for Langmuir show a higher adsorption capacity caused by chemical modifications, with values such as 19.54 mg Cd(II) per g of M. NaOH, 42.46 mg of Pb(II) per g of M. NaOH, and 43.97 mg of Cr(III) per g of M H2O2. Results showed that modified cassava peels are excellent adsorbent, renewable, high availability, and low-cost materials and a feasible alternative in the removal of metals in industries.

Adsorption of Cu (II) and Zn (II) from Water by Jatropha curcas L. as Biosorbent

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the removal of Cu2+ and Zn2+ in water by means of the adsorption process using three biosorbents derived from jatropha biomass (bark, endosperm and endosperm + seed coat). The experiments were performed in batch and evaluated the effect of solution pH, adsorbent mass, contact time, different initial concentrations of the metals Cu2+ and Zn2+, and the temperature of the solution during the adsorptive process. By kinetics, the adsorption isotherms and thermodynamics the mechanisms that control the adsorptive process were evaluated. The optimal conditions for the realization of the adsorptive process for both metals were: solution pH of 5.0 and 8 g L-1 of adsorbent mass per volume of solution, with a contact time between adsorbent and adsorbate of 60 min. According to the Langmuir model, the maximum adsorption capacities for the bark, endosperm and endosperm + seed coat of Jatropha were, respectively, for Cu2+ 11.541, 20.475 and 22.910 mg g-1, and for Zn2+ 14.852; 15.888 and 14.674 mg g-1, with the predominance of chemisorption in monolayer. The three biosorbents derived from the biomass of Jatropha have potential for the remediation of water contaminated with Cu2+ and Zn2+.

Studies of Pb2+ adsorption by Moringa oleifera Lam. seeds from an aqueous medium in a batch system

The efficiency of Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) seeds for removing lead ions (Pb(2+)) from water was evaluated. Parameters such as solution pH, adsorbent mass, contact time between solution and adsorbent, isotherms, thermodynamic, kinetics, and desorption were evaluated. The maximum adsorption capacity of the biosorbent was found to be 12.24 mg g(-1). In order to verify the effectiveness of this material, comparative studies were performed with activated carbon under the same optimal conditions for the construction of isotherms and the desorption process. Average desorption rate values led to the assumption that a strong interaction took place between the adsorbents and the metal ions. Thus, it has been concluded that the biosorbent studied herein can be considered very effective and feasible for remediating Pb(2+)-contaminated solutions, since this material is itself an untreated and low-cost byproduct.

Application of Ni(II)-imprinted cross-linked poly(methacrylic acid) synthesised through double-imprinting method for the on-line preconcentration of Ni(II) ions in aqueous media

The present paper describes the feasibility of on-line preconcentration of nickel ions from aqueous medium on Ni(II)-imprinted cross-linked poly(methacrylic acid) (IIP) synthesised through a double-imprinting method and their subsequent determination by FAAS. The proposed method consisted in loading the sample (20.0 mL, pH 7.25) through a mini-column packed with 50 mg of the IIP for 2 min. The elution step was performed with 1.0 mol L−1 HNO3 at a flow rate of 7.0 mL min−1. The following parameters were obtained: quantification limit (QL) – 3.74 µg L−1, preconcentration factor (PF) – 36, consumption index (CI) – 0.55 mL, concentration efficiency (CE) – 18 min−1, and sample throughput – 25 h−1. The precision of the procedure assessed in terms of repeatability for ten determinations was 5.6% and 2.5% for respective concentrations of 5.0 and 110.0 µg L−1. Moreover, the analytical curve was obtained in the range of 5.0–180.0 µg L−1 (r = 0.9973), and a 1.64-fold increase in the method sensitivity was observed when compared with the analytical curve constructed for the NIP (non-imprinted polymer), thus suggesting a synergistic effect of the Ni(II) ions and CTAB on the adsorption properties of the IIP. The practical application of the adsorbent was evaluated from an analysis of tap, mineral, lake and river water. Considering the results of addition and recovery experiments (90.2–100 %), the efficiency of this adsorbent can be ensured for the interference-free preconcentration of the Ni(II) ions.

Teores de nutrientes e metais pesados em plantas de estragão submetidas a diferentes fertilizações

The cultivation and use of medicinal plants has accompanied the evolution of mankind since antiquity, together with the development of techniques for their cultivation and management. In the search for sustainability of agroecosystems, the use of sources for fertiliser that provide the necessary nutrients for crops should be handled so as to cause the least possible environmental impact. The aim of this study was to evaluate the availability of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn, and the heavy metals Cd, Pb and Cr, in tarragon plants (Artemisia dracunculus) subjected to different fertilisers, organic (swine-manure based compost) and mineral, in a dystrophic Red Argisol (PVd). The experimental design was completely randomised (DIC) in a 2 x 3 factorial scheme, comprising two sources and three levels of fertilisation (no fertilisation, recommended dose and double the recommended dose), giving a total of six treatments with four replications. The results showed that the source as well as the level of fertiliser influenced availability of the elements under evaluation in the plants. The organic fertilizer provided higher concentrations of Cu and Mn. Mineral fertilisation provided higher levels of the nutrients N and K. The heavy metals Cd and Cr showed no concentrations within the limits of detection for the method used.