Chitosan immobilization and Fe3O4 functionalization of olive pomace: An eco–friendly and recyclable Pb2+ biosorbent

Abstract An effective and sustainable biosorbent (MagOPIC) was prepared from chitosan and olive pomace by the combined action of immobilization and magnetic modification to remediate Pb2+-contaminated waters. Pb2+ sorption yield at the end of the equilibrium (45 min) period was estimated to be 98.56 ± 0.28% at pH 5.5. Agitation speed, ionic strength, and temperature did not significantly affect the Pb2+ biosorption. Biosorption kinetics are successfully fitted by the pseudo-second-order equation while the equilibrium biosorption data are properly modeled using the Freundlich and D–R isotherms. MagOPIC has also exhibited a high biosorption yield in the column tests (≥99%) and showed remarkable stability up to twenty consecutive regeneration cycles. Furthermore, it was successfully used for the treatment of Pb2+ containing real wastewater. The findings of this work highlighted the potential use of MagOPIC as a novel, cost-effective and eco-friendly biosorbent for the Pb2+ removal from the contaminated aquatic phase.