Synthesis of QCS-Glutamate: A New Source to Remove Hg (II) Ions from Wastewater

Here we report efficient biomass-based Hg (II) bioadsorbent. Quercus Coccifera Shell (QCS) was recycled and modified with glutamic acid by esterification as QCS-glutamate. After the FT-IR, SEM, and BET characterizations, related optimizations like the amount of adsorbent, initial concentration, temperature, and initial pH were studied to reach optimal adsorption efficiency. Then the adsorption and kinetic studies of the produced QCS-glutamate showed that Hg (II) was successfully adsorbed on QCS-glutamate with high adsorption maxima (qmax) and followed the Lagergren pseudo-second-order reaction and Langmuir adsorption isotherm model (R2≥0.99). The maximum adsorption capacities (qmax) of QCS and QCS-glutamate were found as 35.71 and 70.42 mg/g, respectively while standard enthalpy (DHo) standard free energy (DGo) and standard entropy (DSo) were found as 34.31 kJ/mol, 87.58 kJ/mol and -178.74 j/mol K respectively. This finding suggests that a novel bioadsorbent QCS-glutamate is a cost-effective and promising bioadsorbent for the removal of Hg (II) ions from wastewater.