Experimental investigation of Cd (II) ion adsorption on surface-modified mixed seaweed Biosorbent: A study on analytical interpretation and thermodynamics

Despite advancements in wastewater treatment technologies, heavy metal contamination, especially cadmium (Cd), severely threatens human health and ecosystems. The purpose of this work is to compare the removal of Cd (II) ions from aqueous solutions by chemically modified mixed seaweed biosorbent (CMSB) and physically modified mixed seaweed biosorbent (PMSB). BET, SEM, EDAX, FTIR, and XRD techniques characterized the mixed seaweed biosorbents before and after adsorption. They are well-known for their sustainability, affordability, and biodegradability. The BET study revealed that CMSB had a surface area of 19.682 m2/g, while PMSB had a lower surface area of 14.803 m2/g. The optimum adsorption conditions were a temperature of 303 K, pH of 6.0, and biosorbent dosages of 1 g/L for CMSB and 2.5 g/L for PMSB. For CMSB and PMSB, the most efficient contact times were 40 and 80 min, respectively. The Langmuir model was demonstrated to be the best fit for the experimental data when compared to other isotherm models, with a coefficient of determination, or R2, of 0.9713 and a maximum monolayer capacity of 151.2 mg/g and 181.6 mg/g for physical and chemical activated mixed seaweed biomass. There was a significant relationship between the R2 values of chemically modified and physically modified biomass. The findings demonstrate that pseudo-second-order kinetics more accurately represent the adsorption process than pseudo-first-order and Elovich models. Thermodynamic experiments validated the endothermic, spontaneous and favourable characteristics of the removal process. According to the results of the current study, PMSB and CMSB may be used as effective adsorbents to remove Cd (II) from aqueous solutions. [Display omitted] •Utilizing PMSB and CMSB, the adsorption of Cd (II) ion was investigated.•Maximum Cd (II) ion adsorption capacity of 181.6 mg/g was observed with CMSB.•Fits with Pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Langmuir adsorption isotherm.•Chemically modified mixed seaweed is an effective adsorbent.