Intensified elimination of aqueous heavy metal ions using chicken feathers chemically modified by a batch method.

Modified chicken feathers (MCFs) were used as adsorbents for the removal of Co(II), Cu(II), Fe(II) and Ni(II) heavy metal ions from water by varying pH, adsorbent concentration and time. MCFs were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) analysis, Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, Adsorption of N 2 at −196 °C, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. The adsorption isotherm for the metal ions could be well explained by the Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption capacities were 200.0, 50.0, 43.47, and 4.85 mg/g, following the sequence: Cu(II) > Co(II) > Fe(II) > Ni(II), respectively. Removal efficiencies of Co(II), Cu(II), Fe(II) and Ni(II) ions were 98.7%, 98.9%, 98.7% and 99%, respectively, for 20 mg/L concentration. The study of the adsorption kinetics for metal ions on MCFs confirmed that the process followed a pseudo second order kinetic model in all cases. The thermodynamics showed that the adsorption processes for metal ions adsorption on MCFs were spontaneous and endothermic. MCFs exhibited a good recyclability and high adsorption efficacy after 7 cycles using a 0.1 M EDTA solution, maintaining 90% of the adsorption ability. Modification of chicken feathers enhanced the adsorption capacity of the MCFs due to the increase of hydroxyl groups in the adsorbent and the rough surface was found in SEM image. MCFs have relatively high specific surface area and good thermal stability. Unlabelled Image • Biosorption of heavy metals on chemically treated chicken feathers (MCFs). • Characterization of MCFs by FTIR, SEM , EDX, XRD, N 2 adsorption, and TG/DTG. • Sequence of maximum adsorption capacity: Cu(II) > Co(II) > Fe(II) > Ni(II). • MCFs after desorption recovered and reused up to seven cycles. • Adsorbent binding with the metal ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]