Abstract

Cheap and environmental sound biosorbent was made for the adsorption of arsenate using an waste activated sludge. The biosorbents were methylated in 9hours and 24 hours respectively for the better adsorption of arsenate. The amount adsorbed of arsenate(V) increased with increasing methylation time. The specific arsenate adsorption was 0.06 mmol As(V)/g biomass when the biosorbent was methylated in 24 hours. The methylated biosorbents were also studied with pH 5, 7, and 9. The pH of the solution affect the amount of adsorption of arsenate of the biosorbent even though it was methylated. The specific arsenate adsorption of the biosorbent at pH 5 was best and it was three times greater than the amount of arsenate adsorbed at pH 9.

Keywords biosorption, activated sludge, impregnation, arsenate, methylation