Physico-chemical characteristics and lead biosorption properties of Enteromorpha prolifera

Biosorption of lead ions onto Enteromorpha prolifera has been investigated. The physico-chemical properties of the biosorbent were characterized by thermal stability, zeta potential, and Boehm titration methods. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out to examine the effect of various parameters such as initial pH, particle size, adsorbent dosage, ionic strength, time, and temperature on biosorption. The kinetic studies showed that the adsorption process was very fast and equilibrium was reached after about 60 min of contact. The pseudo-first-order Lagergren equation, pseudo second-order rate equation, and second-order rate equation were used to describe the kinetic adsorption process. Thermodynamic parameters were determined at three different temperatures. The negative values of free energy change indicated the spontaneous nature of adsorption process.