Biosorption of copper and zinc from aqueous solution by bamboo biomass in batch and column studies

In the present work, the use of bamboo biomass for copper and Zinc biosorption was studied in batch and column processes. The effects of equilibrium pH, contact time and the presence of Magnesium and Calcium interfering ions on the sorption of these metals were investigated. Experimental results showed that the Bambusa vulgaris biomass was effective in removing copper and Zinc ions from aqueous solutions. Sorption of the metals was dependent on equilibrium pH, as maximum removal was attained at pH5. The Langmuir isotherm model fitted the experimental data. The biosorption of copper and zinc on bamboo biomas was rapid and equilibrium was attained within 15 min. The sorption kinetic data revealed that the biosorption of copper and Zinc on this biomass followed pseudo-second order model. © 2010 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Keywords: Sorption, bamboo, Biomass, isotherms, interference, modification, fixed-bed column

Production of Sodium Cyanide from Cassava Wastes

ABSTRACT An acid hydrolysis method of cyanide release from cyanogenic glucosides in cassava was investigated for the release of cyanide ion (CN -) to be used for the production of sodium cyanide from cassava. The released cyanide was fixed in Sodium Hydroxide after hydrolysis. Sodium cyanide was crystallized from the slurry by maintaining the temperature between 60 0 C and 70 0 C in a drying oven. Characterization of NaCN was done via the Deniges' modified silver nitrate titration. Cyanide concentrations between 140mg CN/50g to 342mgCN/50g of sample were obtained. The yield range was 0.28% -0.68%