Adsorption kinetics of copper removal by Cladophora glomerata

Adsorption of copper by NaOH pretreated Cladophora glomerata was investigated to determine copper removal capacity. Adsorption of copper ions on NaOH pretreated C. glomerata was studied as a function of initial pH regimes, temperature, initial metal concentration and contact time. Characterization of the adsorbent was confirmed by FTIR-ATR spectrum. Adsorption process was supported at 0.5 g/L adsorbent dose and at pH 5. Adsorption value was found to increase with increase temperature, thereby indicating the process was endothermic. The adsorption capacity of metal ions was significantly increased with increasing initial metal concentration. The experiments showed that metal ions adsorbed in first 10 minutes and adsorption equilibrium was attained in 30 minutes. Pseudo-second order, Elovich, Logistic and Intra-particle diffusion kinetic models were applied to the experimental data. Logistic was the best model to describe experimental kinetic data. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were used in the present study. According to values of correlation coefficient (R2) and sum of squares errors (SSE), the Langmuir model was more appropriate to describe the adsorption of copper ions on pretreated C. glomerata. The maximum adsorption capacity of Cu+2 was determined as 136.68 mg g-1. Results indicated that NaOH pretreated C. glomerata had a great potential for removing of copper as an eco-friendly process.