(269i) Thermodynamic Characterization of Copper Biosorption Process by Pretreated a. Niger Biomass

Abstract Thermodynamic equations are developed for biosorption of copper in pretreated A. niger biomass based on the concept of solution thermodynamics. The integral and differential thermodynamic equations for different thermodynamic functions like Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, entropy, needed for characterization of biomass for engineering calculations is also presented. The interaction at the metal biomass interface is mainly responsible for sorption. Surface interaction based on the actual surface reactive groups present on the biomass surface is discussed. The metal–biomass system has been tested at different temperature. The enthalpy change of biosorption of copper process has been evaluated by using van't Hoff equation related to the energy of sorption. The thermodynamics of copper ion in pretreated Aspergillus niger biomass system indicates spontaneous and exothermic nature of the process.

Keyword: Thermodynamics, Characterization, Biomass, Temperature, Sorption.