Extended use of Sphagnum peat as a biosorbent for Zn(II): repetiti ous sorption-desorption process

Abstract

In this study, continuous biosorption - desorption cycles in a fixed - bed column were performed to evaluate the extended use of sphagnum peat as biosorbent material to remove Zn(II) ions from aqueous solutions. Biosorption - desorption studies revealed that the sphagnum peat as biosorbent could be regenerated using 0.1M HCl as eluting agent with more than 70% recovery in four successive biosorption - desorption cycles. The results showed that the sphagnum peat should be used as an alternative, effective and low - cost biosorbent for Zn(II) ions removal from polluted aqueous solution.