Removal phosphorus from aqueous solution by acid modified orange peels/alginate adsorbent beads

Abstract

The bio-based adsorbent from orange peels powder was investigated for phosphorus removal. The orange peel powder (Or-P), alginate (Alg), and acid modified orange peel/alginate beads (Alg-Acid@Or-P) was prepared. The spherical shape with yellow in color of Alg-Acid@Or-P beads were obtained. The dry beads in size range of 1.6 to 1.8 mm with narrow size distribution was prepared. The point of zero charge of 6.5 for Acid@Or-P bead was measured. The effects of adsorbent dosage, and initial concentration of phosphorus on the removal process were investigated in batch experiment. The optimum dosage of 2 g of each adsorbent, the highest percent removal of phosphorus was revealed. The percent phosphorus removal as follows; Or-P > Alg > Alg-Acid@Or-P was calculated. The highest adsorption capacity (qe) of 269.75 mg/g was observed for an adsorbent dose of 2 g Or-P for an initial concentration of 15 mgP/L at contact time 3 h. Alg-Acid@Or-P was measured the low qe at 8.25 mg/g. The effect of surface charge on modified orange peel/alginate beads may concerns. The adsorption isotherms were not conducted due to the COVID-19 pandemic situation with the laboratory closure.