Equilibrium and Kinetic Studies of Cd(2+) Biosorption by the Brown Algae Sargassum fusiforme

A fundamental investigation of the biosorption of Cd(2+) from aqueous solution by the edible seaweed Sargassum fusiforme was performed under batch conditions. The influences of experimental parameters, such as the initial pH, sorption time, temperature, and initial Cd(2+) concentration, on Cd(2+) uptake by S. fusiforme were evaluated. The results indicated that the biosorption of Cd(2+) depended on the initial Cd(2+) concentration, as well as the pH. The uptake of Cd(2+) could be described by the Langmuir isotherm model, and both the Langmuir biosorption equilibrium constant and the maximum biosorption capacity of the monolayer decreased with increasing temperature, thereby confirming the exothermic character of the sorption process. The biosorption kinetics follows the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, and intraparticle diffusion is the sole rate-limiting step for the entire biosorption period. These fundamental equilibrium and kinetic results can support further studies to the removal of cadmium from S. fusiforme harvested from cadmium-polluted waters.