ADSORPTIVE TREATMENT OF CYANIDE-BEARING WASTEWATER: A PROSPECT FOR SUGAR INDUSTRY WASTE

The biosorption of cyanide ions from aqueous solution by bagasse was studied in a batch adsorption system with pH, contact time, cyanide ion concentration, metal ion concentration, and adsorbent dosage as variables. XRD, FT-IR spectroscopy, CHN, proximate, ultimate, and TG/DTG thermal analyses were used for the characterization of bagasse. The biosorption capacities and rates of biosorption of cyanide ions onto bagasse were evaluated. The Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models were applied to describe the isotherms and isotherm constants. Biosorption isothermal data were interpreted by the Langmuir model followed by the Freundlich model with maximum adsorption capacity of 98% of cyanide ion on bagasse. The kinetic experimental data were properly correlated with the first- and second-order kinetic model.