Adsorption of methylene blue from effluent using golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) shell as a low-cost material
Daniel Mantovani, Heloise Beatriz Quesada, Rodrigo de Souza Antônio, Luís Fernando Cusioli, Letícia Nishi, Alexandre Diório, Paulo Fernando Soares, Rosângela Bergamasco, Marcelo Fernandes Vieira
Abstract
ABSTRACT The golden mussel is a species from China, which has spread to Asia and America, causing various economic impacts, as well as an ecological imbalance. Globally, the application of the invasive species has been investigated to mitigate the problems caused, and the present work evaluates the use of the golden mussel shells in the removal of methylene blue from contaminated waters. The material was characterized by the analysis of scanning electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and zeta potential, indicating favorable characteristics for the adsorption of pollutants. As for the adsorption studies, the adjustment of the pseudo-first-order model was verified, resulting in adsorption capacity of 26.4 mg g –1 at the equilibrium time of 300 min and 0.03 g of adsorbent. Henry’s model was applied at 25°C, 35°C, and 45°C indicating the favorable effect of temperature increase. Thus, it is observed the potential of using this material as adsorbent of water contaminants.