Brewery Wastewater Evaluation and Remediation: Metal Sorption Kinetics and Transport

The study involves the adsorption of potentially toxic metals from brewery effluent (Beff), using size modified (UAD) and chemically modified (TAD) Borassus aethiopum biomass. Preliminary study and characterization of both brewery effluent and the derived adsorbents were recorded, with result showing some water quality parameters greater than threshold limits set by legislation. Both classical and instrumental techniques adopted for Sorbent characterization show valid outcome. Batch kinetic studies were monitored along with the role of varying conditions (Effluent concentration, pH, time and temperature) that could influence cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) adsorption. Model applicability test supported the Pseudo second-order, with a high correlation coefficient, least error sum and high precision in qe. cal./exp. The mode of transport is best explained with intra-particle diffusion, not as the only rate limiting process. Generally, the chemically treated biomass exhibited metal removal efficiencies that could compete with the function of commercial activated carbon (CAC).