Work

Development and characterization of biopolymer-hydroxyapatite composites for efficient lead removal

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Heavy metals in wastewater require special attention due to their toxic effects on humans. The removal of these metals can be costly and challenging. Biosorption is an alternative removal method, using biological materials with metal-sequestering properties. This study investigates the biosorption process using sodium alginate (SA), biological agar (BA) and hydroxyapatite (Hap) in two different shapes: beads and noodles. The Hap/SA/BA solution was added into a CaCl2 solution, resulting in the formation of a Hap/SA/BA composite through coagulation. The absorbents were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Atomic absorption analysis was performed to determine the residual lead concentrations. The results indicated that the adsorption process for all samples fitted the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The maximum sorption capacity was found to be 106 mg of Pb2+/g of sample. This study provides valuable evidence for the ongoing development of various shapes of ceramic/polymer composites for environmental applications.

Source: Results in Surfaces and Interfaces

DOI: 10.1016/j.rsurfi.2025.100558

Authors: Maria M. Espinola Colmán, Lucas Medina, Pablo Casanova, Maria B. Martinez P, Magna Monteiro

Institution: Universidad Nacional de Asunción

Language: English

Topic: Adsorption and biosorption for pollutant removal

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,190