Use of keratin fiber for separation of heavy metals from water

Nano-porous keratin fiber is effective in removing heavy metals from solutions. The biosorption of heavy metals from solutions is dependent upon the solution pH, the contact time, surface area and temperature. The intrinsic properties of the keratin fiber, ie stability over a wide range of pH, structural toughness and high surface area, are the positive factors. Alkaline ultrasonic treatment of the keratin fiber resulted in a multi-fold increase in metal uptake. Adsorption of heavy metals using both batch and column operations was conducted. Multiple elution and adsorption tests indicated that it is possible to reuse keratin fiber as a biosorbent for a number of cycles. (C) 2004 Society of Chemical Industry.