Competitive biosorption of PB(II) and CU(II) by functionalised micropogonias undulates scales

Background: Modified bio-based adsorbents from plant sources can be used for pollution remediation by adsorption due to their low cost and availability in large quantities. Objective: In this study, the competitive biosorption of Pb(II) and Cu(II) by Micropogonias undulates functionalised fish scales (FFS) was conducted. The functionalisation was done by wet impregnation with Fe2+. Methods: The biosorbent was characterised by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEMEDS) and Branueur-Emmett-Teller (BET) analyses. Results: The major constituents in the FFS were calcium and phosphorus from the collagen and apatite on the scales. Optimum removal efficiency for both metals was >99% at 10 g/l dosage. It was observed that the Langmuir isotherm model and the pseudo second order kinetics model were the best fit for the experimental data. The monolayer adsorption capacity of FFS for Pb(II) and Cu(II) was observed to be 96.15 mg/g and 100 mg/g, respectively. Conclusion: The study revealed that the competitive biosorption of heavy metals can be achieved (at a good adsorption capacity) using functionalised Micropogonias undulates fish scales. © 2020 Bentham Science Publishers.