title: Ammonia-nitrogen sorptional properties of banana peels.
abstract: Using modified banana peel as a biosorbent to treat water containing ammonia-nitrogen (NH4(+)-N) was studied. Related parameters in the sorptional process, such as chemical modification, pH, and contact time were investigated. The experimental results showed that banana peel modified by 30% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and mesothermal microwaves (NMBPs) can greatly improve the sorption removal for NH4(+)-N. The kinetics study revealed that the sorption behavior better fit the pseudo-second-order equation than the Lagergren first-order equation. Fourier transform infrared absorption spectrum analysis of banana peels and NMBPs before and after NH4(+)-N sorption revealed that the activity of hydroxyl groups at the surface of the banana peels was strengthened after modification, and nitrogenous groups appeared after biosorpting the NH4(+)-N. In the end, metallurgical wastewater containing a low concentration of NH4(+)-N was treated by NMBPs. The initial NH4(+)-N concentration of 138 mg/L was reduced to 13 mg/L in 25 minutes by 4 g/L NMBPs at pH 10.
authors.affiliation: School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Ganzhou Jiangxi 341000, PR China. cyn70yellow@yahoo.com.cn
authors.forename: Yunnen
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Lichao
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ding
authors.forename: Jingbiao
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fan
mesh_terms: D000327:Adsorption; D000641:Ammonia / Q000737:chemistry*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D028521:Musa; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D000641:Ammonia; D009584:Nitrogen