Studies on the Effects of Temperature and Particle Size on Bioremediation of AS (III) from Aqueous Solution Using Modified and Unmodified Coconut Fiber

Arsenic is an example of a heavy metal usually present in different types of industrial effluents. It is also responsible for environmental pollution and toxicity. Temperature and particle size are very crucial parameters in adsorption reactions. The effects of these two parameters on the bioremediation of As (III) from aqueous solution using modified and unmodified coconut fiber was investigated. The result showed that the most suitable temperature was 303K and 0.6mm is a better particle size than 0.3 mm. Various thermodynamic parameters, such as G , H , S and Ea were calculated. The values obtained for G , H and Ea were all 0 o o 0 o negative while those obtained for S were positive. The data showed that the sorption process is spontaneous o and exothermic in nature. The findings of this investigation suggest that physical sorption plays a significant role in controlling the sorption rate. The sticking probability model was further employed to assess the applicability of coconut fiber as an alternative adsorbent for As (III) contaminants in aqueous system. Therefore, these results could serve as design parameters in the treatment of arsenic from aqueous solution.