Uptake of Co(II) ions from aqueous solutions by low-cost biopolymers and their hybrid

Name: Schidza Cime, Mohamadia Nassar

Mentor: Dr. Abel E. Navarro

Abstract: Alginate hydrogel beads (AB), spent peppermint leaf (PM) and a hybrid adsorbent of these two materials (ABPM) were studied as potential biosorbents of Cobalt (II) ions from aqueous solutions. Cobalt ion is a commonly underestimated pollutant that is responsible for several health problems. Discontinuous batch experiments were conducted at room temperature to evaluate the effect of solution acidity and mass of adsorbent on the adsorption of Co(II) ions. The interfering effect of salinity, presence an organic dye and Pb(II) ions were also studied to resemble the application of these adsorbents in real wastewater. A polar-electrostatic adsorption mechanism is proposed based on the experimental results. Scanning electron microscopy indicates that adsorbent have appropriate morphological and textural properties, and that ABPM encapsulated most of the PM inside of the hydrogel beads. These experimental results revealed that AB, PM and ABPM are promising adsorbents for the elimination of Co(II) ions from aqueous solutions under different experimental conditions. These biopolymers are proposed as eco-friendly alternatives for the removal of heavy metal ions at lower costs than conventional techniques.