| Abstract |
In this research, blackberry (Rubus L.) pomace obtained during processing in the food industry was used to analyze the possibility of removing Cu(II) ions in biosorption processes. The properties of the biomaterial have been determined using selected analytical methods, such as elemental composition and mapping using scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, surface area and pore volume analysis (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, Barrett-Joyner-Halenda), thermogravimetry, electrokinetic zeta potential, scanning electron microscopy morphology and Fourier-transform infrared spectrophotometry. Several factors influencing the efficiency of the process were analyzed, such as biosorbent dosage, initial pH, initial metal concentration and contact time. As a result of the conducted research, the maximum biosorption efficiency was obtained at the level of 99.03%. The analysis of kinetics and the determined isotherms showed that the pseudo-second-order equation model and the Langmuir isotherm model best suited this process. To sum up, on the basis of the conducted experiments, blackberry biomass may be a suitable material for the effective removal of copper from wastewater and the improvement of water quality. This research is in line with current trends in the concepts of circular economy, sustainable development and climate neutrality. |