Modeling and analysis of a packed-bed column for the effective removal of zinc from aqueous solution using dual surface-modified biomass

In this research, ultrasonic-assisted fishtail palm Caryota urens seeds (UACUS) have been prepared for the effective removal of Zn(II) ions from aqueous solution in packed-bed column studies. The effect of various operating parameters such as bed depth, initial Zn(II) ions concentration and flow rate on breakthrough curves has been investigated. The dynamic response for the adsorption of Zn(II) ions onto UACUS was described in terms of the breakthrough curves. The results demonstrated that the maximum removal of Zn(II) ions was attained at a low flow rate, influent concentration and high bed depth. The results showed that breakthrough time and exhaustion time were increased with increase of bed height and decreased with increase of flow rate and initial Zn(II) ion concentration. The experimental column data were fitted with different mathematical models, namely Adams-Bohart, Yoon-Nelson and bed depth service time (BDST) models. Amongst the models, the BDST model agreed well with the experimental data. The adsorbent was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (ESEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The experimental results concluded that the prepared UACUS can be utilized as a potential and low-cost adsorbent for the removal of Zn(II) ions from the contaminated liquid.