Process Optimization to Compare the Adsorption Capacity of Copper by the Chitin- Alginate Beads and Conventional Resin

Abstract

The presence of heavy metals, particularly copper (Cu (II)), in industrial waste poses a significant
environmental threat. Adsorption has emerged as a promising method for their removal and recovery due
to its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This study investigates the process optimization for the recovery
of copper using two distinct adsorbent materials via chitin-alginate beads (a sustainable biosorbent) and a
conventional ion-exchange resin. Batch experiments were conducted to determine the optimal conditions
for key parameters, including pH, temperature, contact time, initial metal concentration, and adsorbent
dosage. The study also compares the performance of both materials in terms of adsorption capacity and
kinetics. The results demonstrate that while the conventional resin exhibits a higher maximum adsorption
capacity, the chitin-alginate beads show a comparable efficiency under optimized conditions and offer
significant advantages in terms of biodegradability, low cost, and environmental sustainability. This
research provides a valuable framework for the application of biosorbents in industrial wastewater
treatment