Preparation, Characterization and Dye/Heavy Metal Adsorption Properties of Bio-based Composites

Biomagnetic composite based on raw Ferula communis and polyacrylamide (MBFC) was synthesized. The MBFC proved to be an effective and high performance adsorbent for the removal of heavy metals, acidic and basic dyes from simulated effluents by batch and fixed-bed experiments. The morphology, surface and magnetic properties of the as-prepared MBFC were examined by Boehm titration; scanning electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared techniques. The sorption process was optimized via Box-Behnken approach and techno-economic analysis completed using central composite design. The adsorption isotherm, kinetics and parametric behaviors of the pollutants were investigated, and detailed explanation of the results is discussed. The maximum removal efficiencies of the pollutants of 69.3─96.9% were obtained at the optimum operation conditions of 50 mgL─1 initial adsorbate concentration, 100 mg MBFC dose, 360 min contact time, pH 4.0 (acidic dyes) and pH 7.0 (basic dyes and heavy metal ions). The rate-controlling mechanism is discussed in terms of intraparticle diffusion, and the actual step was confirmed by Boyd model. Finally, the efficiency and stability of MBFC were assessed via several regeneration-reuse cycles. Keywords: Bio-based composite; acid dyes; basic dyes; heavy metals; adsorption optimization; modeling; thermokinetic studies.