STUDY OF PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL MODIFICATION OF BIOMASS (Citrus sinensis AND Musa paradisiaca) FOR THE ADSORPTION OF HEAVY METALS IN SOLUTION

摘要

The effect of changes to activated charcoal and chitosan coating of lignocellulosic biomass obtained from banana and orange peels for the absorption of Cr (VI) was studied. Characterization of the functional groups in the biomass suitable for the adsorption was monitored by elemental analysis (CHON) and infrared spectroscopy (IR), while for activated carbon surface area was determined by BET analysis. The Cr (VI) content in solution was measured by UV-vis spectrophotometer, using the diphenylcarbazide method. The results showed a removal of Cr (VI) ions of 66.6 and 93 ppm for orange peels and banana peels respectively; the activated carbons removed 85 and 95 ppm, while the modified biomasses with chitosan showed an adsorption of 61.24 and 88.2 ppm. It was observed that the adsorption kinetics was best described by the Pseudo Second Order equation, and the bimetallic competitiveness effect was affected more by nickel ions and to a lesser extent by lead ions.