In this study, particles produced from sericin-alginate blend were used as non-conventional bioadsorbent for removing Cr(III) and Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. Besides chromium mitigation, the use of sericin-alginate particles as bioadsorbent aims to offer an environmental solution of added value...

In this study, particles produced from sericin-alginate blend were used as non-conventional bioadsorbent for removing Cr(III) and Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. Besides chromium mitigation, the use of sericin-alginate particles as bioadsorbent aims to offer an environmental solution of added value for sericin, which is a by-product from silk industry. Sericin-alginate particles in natura and loaded with Cr(III) and Cr(VI) were characterized using N-2 physical adsorption analysis, optical microcopy, mercury porosimetry, helium pycnometry, scanning electron microscope coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, and X-ray diffraction. Kinetic studies on the removal of Cr(III) (at pH=3.5) and Cr(VI) (at pH=2) indicate the ion exchange mechanism with Ca(II) and the predominance of external mass transfer resistance. Cr(VI) uptake occurs through an adsorption-coupled reduction process, and bioadsorption equilibrium is reached after similar to 1000min. Cr(III) bioadsorption occurs faster (similar to 210min). The Cr(VI) bioadsorption is endothermic, as bioadsorption capacity increases with temperature: 0.0783mmol/g (20 degrees C), 0.1960mmol/g (30 degrees C), 0.4570mmol/g (40 degrees C), and 0.7577mmol/g (55 degrees C). The three-parameter isotherm model of Toth best represents the equilibrium data of total chromium. From Langmuir isotherm model, the maximum bioadsorption capacity is higher for total chromium, 0.25mmol/g (30 degrees C), than for trivalent chromium, 0.023mmol/g (30 degrees C). The comparison of bioadsorption capacities with different biomaterials confirms sericin-alginate particles as potential bioadsorbent of chromium

CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQ

470615/2013-3

FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESP

2011/51824-8; 2015/13505-9

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