Mechanistic modelling of the adsorption of aqueous Pb(II) by metabolically inhibited bacterial cultures from industry

Abstract

This study delves into the mechanistic modelling of literature results for the adsorption of aqueous Pb(II) by metabolically inhibited bacterial cultures from the industrial sector. Employing a multi-compartmented mathematical model based on Langmuir's mechanistic multi-surface adsorption, the study explores the adsorption process onto multiple heterogeneous surfaces operating simultaneously. The mathematical model is elucidated, and its parameters are optimized using experimental data obtained from various biosorbents. The results highlight the efficacy of the proposed multi-surface Langmuir kinetic models in predicting the adsorption kinetics of Pb(II) for diverse adsorbents. The study underscores the potential of multi-surface Langmuir modelling in capturing surface heterogeneity. The sensitivity analysis reveals the models' responsiveness to variations in adsorption rate constants (kad), emphasizing the necessity of precise parameterization for robust predictions. These sensitivities have significant implications for the accurate modelling of Pb(II) adsorption kinetics, guiding advancements in effective wastewater treatment strategies.