Adsorption of Fe Ions from Aqueous Solution Using α-Keratin-Coated Alginate Biosorbent

Abstract

Abstract—The biosorbent α-keratin-alginate (KA) was prepared by using the encapsulation technique in CaCl2 2 % (w/v) solution. The biosorbent was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The extent of adsorption was found to be a function of the composition of α-keratin and alginate, the pH of solution and contact time. The optimum adsorption of Fe ions in aqueous solution was found at the composition of α-keratin and alginate of 1:2 (w/w), the pH at 7.0 and contact time at 60 minutes. The adsorption of Fe ions on KA biosorbent was comparatively higher than α-keratin and alginate only. The adsorption capacity of KA biosorbent has the maximum adsorption capacity of 658.4 mg/g while biosorbent α-keratin and alginate are 464.7 mg/g and 528.1 mg/g, respectively. Adsorption of Fe ions in aqueous solution followed the Freundlich adsorption isotherm, and the dynamic adsorption model could be described through a pseudo-second order kinetics