Adsorption of copper ions from water onto fish scales derived biochar: Isothermal perspectives

Abstract

In this work, Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fish scales were used for the development of an economical biochar (FSB) by slow pyrolysis at 600 oC. The FSB was characterized using energy dispersive x-ray (EDX), x-ray fluorescence (XRF), x-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The potential of FSB for the uptake of copper ions from water was examined as a function of initial concentration. Adsorption data were treated using eleven adsorption isotherms, and the most applicable equation obtained by comparison of the coefficient of determination (R2 ) values calculated by nonlinear regression method. Equilibrium data were best explained by Langmuir isotherm denoting monolayer adsorption of Cu(II) ions onto FSB. The FSB’s maximum adsorption capacity was 39.39 mg/g.