Investigation of biosorption process of barium radionuclides on pomegranate peel; isotherms, kinetics and mechanism

Biosorption of barium onto pomegranate peel was studied by gamma-spectrometry regarding different parameters. Adjustment of the isotherms to Langmuir and Freundlich models revealed a considerable sorption capacity for the alkali-modified biosorbent (q(max) 69.5 mg g(-1)) whereas kinetic and thermodynamic data were also provided. The application of SEM-EDS, XRD and FTIR for the characterization of the biosorbents before and after sorption as well as chemical modification of the surface functional groups, demonstrated the involvement of carboxyl, hydroxyl and phosphate groups in sorption process. The removal efficiency as well as the environmental compatibility based on desorption experiments demonstrated that the tested sorbents could be applied for the radioactive waste management.

Automated summary

This study investigated the biosorption of barium onto pomegranate peel and found that the alkali-modified biosorbent had a considerable sorption capacity. The involvement of carboxyl, hydroxyl, and phosphate groups in the sorption process was demonstrated through characterization techniques. Desorption experiments showed that the tested sorbents were effective for radioactive waste management.