Abstract

ROMERO-GONZALEZ, J et al. Biosorption of Pb (II) by Agave tequilana Weber (agave azul) biomass. Rev. Mex. Ing. Quím [online]. 2007, vol.6, n.3, pp.295-300. ISSN 1665-2738.

In this study, the biomass produced from the industrial residues and agricultural waste of Agave tequilana Weber (Agave azul) generated in the production of tequila, demonstrated a high potential for Pb (II) removal from aqueous solution. The biosorption capacity of Agave azul leaves biomass was evaluated in batch experiments. These experiments included pH profile, time dependence, and the determination of adsorption capacity. Time profile experiments indicated that the adsorption of Pb ions by Agave azul biomass was time-dependent. Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms were used to describe the biosorption of Pb (II) onto the Agave azul leaves biomass at 298 K and pH 5.0. The correlation coefficient for the Freundlich isotherm was much higher than the coefficient for the Langmuir isotherm, indicating that only the Freundlich models fits the data. The maximum capacity (K_F) was 105.52 10^-2 mole/g for Pb (II). The adsorption capacity showed by Agave azul biomass was higher than the average values reported in the literature.

Keywords : biosorption; Pb(II); Agave tequilana Weber; Agave azul.