Adsorption of Zn2+ and Ni2+ in a binary aqueous solution by biosorbents derived from sawdust and water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)

The Zn2+ and Ni2+ adsorption capacities of six biosorbents derived from water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) (WH) and sawdust (SD) were investigated, with activated carbon as the control. The biosorbents were raw biomass (WH, SD), charred WH (BWH) and SD and sulphonated bio-chars of WH and SD. The effect of the initial solution pH and Zn2+ and Ni2+ concentrations on adsorption capacity was studied, and adsorption isotherms for Zn2+ and Ni2+ evaluated. The initial solution pH significantly influenced adsorption (p < 0.05) but the relationship was generally nonlinear. Zn2+ suppressed Ni2+ adsorption on all biosorbents. The adsorption capacities of the biosorbents were statistically (p <= 0.05) similar to or higher than that of activated carbon. The effects of pyrolysis and bio-char sulphonation on adsorption were inconsistent and dependent on biomass type; in most cases bio-char was a better biosorbent than the original biomass, while sulphonation resulted in less or comparable adsorption. Adsorption data obeyed at least one of three isotherms (linear, Langmuir and Freundlich) (r(2) = 0.90-0.995, p < 0.05). The study revealed that low-cost biosorbents may be used as alternatives to activated carbon in applications including selective separation of Zn2+ from multi-metal ion solutions containing Ni2+, and water and wastewater treatment.