Removal of synthetic dyes from textile industry wastewaters by biosorption on macroalgae

• Grant number: 11/50040-3
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: May 01, 2011
• End date: April 30, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Process Industries
• Principal Investigator: Melissa Gurgel Adeodato Vieira
• Grantee: Melissa Gurgel Adeodato Vieira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Química (FEQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This research project aims to study the removal of synthetic dyes commonly found in textile industrial wastewater, specifically Acid Orange 7 and Reactive Blue 19, using as bioadsorbent the macrophytes Ludwigia sedoides e Pistia stratiotes. The study will be conducted in finite bath to each dye in order to evaluate the performance of both macrophyte on the removal of theses pollutants from aqueous solutions. The characterization of the bioadsorbent and knowledge of the involved mechanisms (through the identification of the functional groups) in biosorption process of dyes will be determined from the following methods: Potentiometric Titration (pHzpc), Spectroscopy Infrared (FTIR), Thermal Analysis (TG and DSC), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Optical Microscopy. Biosorption assays will be carried out for adsorption kinetics and equilibrium studies. The factors affecting the sorption process such as time of contact, pH of the solution, initial concentration of the dye, adsorvent dosage and temperature will be investigated. Experimental data of adsorption isotherms will be adjusted by Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevick (D-R) models. Kinetic models will be evaluated in order to identify potential adsorption process mechanisms. (AU)