Comparison of adsorption equilibrium models and error functions for the study of sulfate removal by calcium hydroxyapatite microfibrillated cellulose composite

ABSTRACT

In the present study, the adsorption of sulfates of sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) by calcium hydroxyapatite-modified microfibrillated cellulose was studied in the aqueous solution. The adsorbent was characterized using elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscope and elemental analysis in order to gain the information on its structure and physico-chemical properties. The adsorption studies were conducted in batch mode. The effects of solution pH, contact time, the initial concentration of sulfate and the effect of competing anions were studied on the performance of synthesized adsorbent for sulfate removal. Adsorption kinetics indicated very fast adsorption rate for sulfate of both sources (Na₂SO₄ and SLS) and the adsorption process was well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Experimental maximum adsorption capacities were found to be 34.53 mg g⁻¹ for sulfates of SLS and 7.35 mg g⁻¹ for sulfates of Na₂SO_4. The equilibrium data were described by the Langmuir, Sips, Freundlich, Toth and Redlich–Peterson isotherm models using five different error functions.

KEYWORDS:

• Adsorption
• calcium hydroxyapatite
• nanocellulose
• water treatment
• sulfate removal

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

ORCID

Amit Bhatnagar http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3565-9943

Additional information

Funding

The authors are grateful to Maa- ja vesitekniikan tuki ry (MVTT) for financial support.