Equilibrium, Kinetics, and Thermodynamics of the Biosorption of Zn(II) from Aqueous Solution Using Powdered Cow Hooves

Abstract

The capability of cow hoof (CH) to remove Zn(II) from aqueous solution under the influence of sorbent size, solution pH, contact time, and sorbent dosage was investigated through batch studies. Equilibrium studies were conducted at three different temperatures (298, 308, and 318 K) by contacting different concentrations of Zn(II) solution with a known weight of cow hoof. The biosorption of Zn onto cow hoof was found to increase with increase in the mass of sorbent used while the biosorption efficiency was found to decrease with increase in sorbent particle size. The optimum conditions of pH 4 and contact time of 60 minutes were required for maximum removal of Zn(II) by cow hoof (mesh size 212 µm). The equilibrium data were modelled using Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) isotherm models. The data were best fitted by Langmuir model. The kinetic data were analysed using Lagergren kinetic equations and these were well fitted by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The thermodynamic parameters showed that the biosorption process was feasible, spontaneous, and endothermic.