Optimization of a novel biocomposite synthesis (Ammi Visnaga extraction waste/alginate) for Cd(2+) biosorption.

A novel environmentally friendly biocomposite namely calcium alginate immobilized Ammi Visnaga (Khella) extraction waste was prepared by electrostatic extrusion method. A full factorial design 2(3) was used to optimize the beads preparation conditions. The effect of sodium alginate concentration (X1), biomass concentration (X2) and cross-linker concentration (X3) on the Cd(2+) removal efficiency was examined in a batch system with a fixed biocomposite dose of 1g/L. Using the experimental results, a linear mathematical model representing the influence of different variables and their interactions was obtained. The optimized values of X1, X2 and X3 were found to be 4.35%, 2.5% and 1.99% respectively. The biocomposite beads were characterized by ATR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy for the surface morphology and optical microscopic for the particles size measurements.