Mercury biosorption from aqueous solutions by Sugarcane Bagasse

The aim of this study was to investigate the biosorption of mercury ions from aqueous solutions using Sugarcane Bagasse (SCB). The pre-treatment of the biosorbent was determined by NaOH and HCl. The parameters affecting the biosorption such as solution pH, contact time and temperature were investigated. The pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order kinetic models were used to describe the kinetic data. The adsorption equilibrium data were analyzed by Freundlich and Langmuir's isotherm models. According to the results, both models were suitable for describing the biosorption equilibrium. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 35.71 mg/g. The kinetic was found to be the best-fit pseudo-second order equation. The maximum mercury removal of 97.584% at a pH of 4.0 was observed. Additional chemical treatments of the biosorbent had no significant effect on mercury biosorption.

► The biosorption of mercury ions from aqueous solutions using Sugarcane Bagasse (SCB) was evaluated.
► The sorption process was well explained with pseudo-second order kinetic model.
► The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 35.71 mg/g.
► The biosorption data was fitted to Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models.
► The maximum mercury removal of 97.584% at a pH of 4.0 was observed.