The adsorption capacity of Eicchornia crassipes for removing Cd(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions from aqueous solutions has been investigated in a batch system. Experimental data of the kinetics and equilibrium of biosorption for the single-component systems was obtained. Equilibrium times of 45, 60 and 120 min. for Cd(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions, respectively, were achieved. Kinetic data was better fitted to the pseudo-second order kinetic model. To describe biossorption equilibrium were used Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkim isotherms. The Langmuir isotherm model was better fitted to the equilibrium data, with values of 0.667, 0.615 and 0.633 mequiv.g-1 for Cd(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) adsorption capacity, respectively. E. crassipes biomass has great potential to be used in wastewater treatment systems.
Biosorption; Eicchornia crassipes; heavy metals
