Kinetic analysis and mathematical modeling of Cr(VI) removal in a differential reactor packed with Ecklonia biomass

Abstract

To set up a kinetic model that can provide a theoretical basis for developing a new mathematical model of the Cr(VI) biosorption column using brown seaweed Ecklonia biomass, a differential reactor system was used in this study. Based on the fact that the removal process followed a redox reaction between Cr(VI) and the biomass, with no dispersion effect in the differential reactor, a new mathematical model was proposed to describe the removal of Cr(VI) from a liquid stream passing through the differential reactor. The reduction model of Cr(VI) by the differential reactor was zero order with respect to influent Cr(III) concentration, and first order with respect to both the biomass and influent Cr(VI) concentrations. The developed model described well the dynamics of Cr(VI) in the effluent. In conclusion, the developed model may be used for the design and performance prediction of the biosorption column process for Cr(VI) detoxification.