Characterization of silver(I) binding by alfalfa biomass ( Medicago sativa) through pH profile, time, temperature, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy studies

Isaac Herrera, University of Texas at El Paso

Abstract

We decided to perform our research by using alfalfa biomass in the inactivated form to recover the most toxic form of silver, ionic silver (Ag+), with green technology in a safe, cheap, and environmentally friendly manner. The objective of this research was to characterize the binding mechanism by which silver ions are adsorbed by alfalfa biomass. First, the adsorption was optimized by performing batch experiments to determine the time, pH, loading capacity, and stripping of silver ions besides characterizing the flow performance of immobilized alfalfa. Second, the binding was characterized by obtaining kinetic and thermodynamic parameters that accompany the adsorption and reduction reactions of silver ions by alfalfa and to characterize the effect of ionic strength and interfering cations in the binding. Finally, the silver binding site(s) present on the alfalfa biomass were determined by performing XAS and binding studies on ionic exchange materials, native, and chemically modified alfalfa biomass.

Subject Area

Analytical chemistry

Recommended Citation

Herrera, Isaac, "Characterization of silver(I) binding by alfalfa biomass ( Medicago sativa) through pH profile, time, temperature, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy studies" (2005). ETD Collection for University of Texas, El Paso. AAI1427722.
https://scholarworks.utep.edu/dissertations/AAI1427722

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