Short CommunicationThermodynamic parameters for adsorption equilibrium of heavy metals and dyes from wastewaters: Research updated

•Thermodynamic parameters reported in biosorption studies were assessed.•The compensation effects noted for enthalpy-entropy data are an artifact.•Confusion by use of arbitrarily adsorbate concentration is commented.•No conclusion should be drawn based on unjustified thermodynamic parameters.

The standard Gibbs free energy, enthalpy and entropy change data for adsorption equilibrium reported in biosorption literature during January 2013-May2016 were listed. Since the studied biosorption systems are all near-equilibrium processes, the enthalpy and entropy change data evaluated by fitting temperature-dependent free energy data using van Hoff's equation reveal a compensation artifact. Additional confusion is introduced with arbitrarily chosen adsorbate concentration unit in bulk solution that added free energy change of mixing into the reported free energy and enthalpy change data. Different standard states may be chosen for properly describing biosorption processes; however, this makes the general comparison between data from different systems inappropriate. No conclusion should be drawn based on unjustified thermodynamic parameters reported in biosorption studies.