Sorption of Pb(II) onto a mixture of algae waste biomass and anion exchanger resin in a packed-bed column

► The sorption of Pb(II) onto algae waste biomass and Purolite A-100 was studied. ► The experiments followed the effect flow rate and initial Pb(II) concentration. ► Column regeneration efficiency reached 98%, when using 0.1molL−1 HCl. ► The applicability of biosorbent mixture was tested using synthetic wastewater. Sorption of Pb(II) was studied by using a biosorbent mixture of algae waste biomass and Purolite A-100 resin in a packed-bed column. Mixing these two components was done to prevent the clogging of the column and to ensure adequate flow rates. Increasing of solution flow rate and initial Pb(II) concentration make that the breakthrough and saturation points to be attained earlier. The experimental breakthrough curves were modeled using Bohart–Adams, Thomas and Yoon–Nelson models, and the parameters for all these models were calculated. A regeneration efficiency of 98% was achieved using 0.1molL−1 HCl and not significant changes in lead uptake capacity after three biosorption/desorption cycles were noted. The biosorbent mixture was able to remove Pb(II) from synthetic wastewater at pH 5.0 and flow rate of 3.5mLmin−1, and the obtained effluent has better quality characteristics. The biosorbent mixture it is suitable for a continuous system for large-scale applications.