Removal of Copper Using Microsize Coconut Husk Powder:Equilibrium and Kinetic Studies

This investigation deals with the equilibrium and kinetic studies on biosorption of copper ions from aqueous solutions using coconut husk powder in a batch process. The results indicate that biosorption of copper is increased with an increase of biosorbent dosage and decrease with biosorbent size. A significant increase in percentage removal of copper was observed as pH value is increased from 1 to 7 and the percentage removal is decreased beyond pH 7. Increased initial concentration of copper in the aqueous solution results in lower biosorption. Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models describe the present data very well indicating favourable biosorption. The biosorption follows pseudo-first-order kinetics.