Author details

for Cu(II) solution volumes of 6 and 9 L, respectively. This evaluation becomes relevant for

The adsorption performance of banana floret was assessed as a new biosorbent for heavy metal removal. Cu(II) was used as a model heavy metal. Banana floret exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity of 28.06 mg/g which compares well to biosorbents reported in the literature. Operational parameters were varied and analyzed using a series of kinetic and equilibrium models. Nonlinear regression produced a more robust simulation of the kinetic data which best followed the DC model. Equilibrium data were best simulated using the threeparameter Sips isotherm. Mass transfer studies indicated that both film and intraparticle diffusion were responsible for the transport of Cu(II) to biosorption sites, while ion exchange and chemisorption were the most influential attachment mechanisms. A predictive model was successfully developed using ANN and optimized using GA. The accuracy of the ANN-GA prediction was validated by laboratory experiments, which revealed a residual error of 1.3%

C uniform concentration of the solute in the bulk of the liquid (mg/L) (Eq. 28)

Ci concentration of the solute at the particle/liquid interface (mg/L) (Eq. 28)

/min)

pilot-batch system design as well as large-scale batch applications.

and therefore highlights the applicability of the model.

Ce equilibrium concentration in solution (mg/L)

Ct concentration of metal ion at any time (mg/L)

Co initial metal ion concentration (mg/L)

dp average particle diameter (cm) (Eq. 30)

kf film mass transfer coefficient (cm/min) KDC DC overall rate constant (mg/g-t0.5)

De particle diffusion coefficient (cm2

gRP Redlich-Peterson exponent

Kid ID rate constant (mg/g-t0.5)

ki DC initial rate (mg/g-t)

4. Conclusion

406 Desalination and Water Treatment

Nomenclature

as Sips affinity constant

Clint Sutherland\*, Abeni Marcano and Beverly Chittoo

\*Address all correspondence to: clint.sutherland@utt.edu.tt

Project Management and Civil Infrastructure Systems, The University of Trinidad and Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago (WI)
