Biosorption of Dye by Malt Bagasse in a Fixed-Bed Column: Experimental and Theoretical Breakthrough Curves

The fixed-bed column biosorption process is the most widely used system, which aims to expand to industrial scale in wastewater treatment, and requires for its design thermodynamic equilibrium data. In this study, fixed-bed column experiments using malt bagasse, an industrial byproduct, were performed to quantitatively evaluate the dye biosorption capacity, as well as perform mathematical modeling of the breakthrough curves and obtain mass transfer parameters. The FTIR spectrum of malt bagasse was performed before and after the dye biosorption process. The best operating condition of the column occurred at the feed flow of 4mLmin(- 1). The Langmuir isotherm (q(max) = 38.44mgg(- 1); R-2 = 0.98) was used to represent the equilibrium data between the phases (fluid/solid) in column. The phenomenological mathematical model, which considered the resistance to internal diffusion as a limiting step of mass transfer, was able to adequately predict the dynamic behavior of the biosorption column operation, constituting a useful tool for analysis, description, and design of dye biosorption in fixed-bed column.

Automated summary

The fixed-bed column biosorption process using malt bagasse was studied to evaluate dye biosorption capacity and obtain mass transfer parameters. The Langmuir isotherm was used to represent equilibrium data, and a mathematical model considering internal diffusion resistance accurately predicted the dynamic behavior of the biosorption column operation.