Sustainable Treatment of Heavy Metals by Adsorption on Raw Chitin/Chitosan

Abstract

The objective of this chapter was to treat metal pollution of wastewater rich in Pb2+, Cd2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ ions by adsorption tests on the raw chitin/chitosan. Different origin namely shrimp (Ccre), crab (Ccra) and lobster (Clan). Raw shrimp chitin had a strong affinity for Pb2+ and Cd2+. The adsorption capacity of zinc on the crabs chitin is twice as great as that on the shrimp chitin. The kinetic study showed that more than 50% of these ions are adsorbed before equilibrium is reached (20 minutes). The adsorption kinetics also showed that the hardness of the shells has a negative effect on the kinetics of the adsorption process. Indeed, the adsorption of Pb2+ on the raw chitin shrimp requires only 30 minutes, while on the raw chitin lobster; the equilibrium time is 60 minutes. To ensure a sustainable treatment, sludge generated by adsorption of heavy metals was incinerated at high temperature. Incineration has led to calcite phases, which do not represent any toxicity on the environment and it can be recycled in the industry of solid materials (ceramics, cement, etc.). However, the regeneration of sludge by the acid changes the structure of the material and gives new adsorbent supports.