Removal of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solutions by Brevibacillus agri-loaded clay: Kinetic, isotherm, and artificial neural network modeling

In this study, a novel and efficient adsorbent was developed by immobilizing inactivated Brevibacillus agri biomass onto an abundant natural clay via a simple synthesis route for Pb(II) removal from aqueous media. The adsorption behavior of inactivated Brevibacillus agri-loaded clay (BLC) was evaluated using batch experiments by investigating the effects of initial solution pH (2.0–6.0), BLC dosage (0.5–4.0 g/L), contact time (1–180 min), initial Pb(II) concentration (10–420 mg/L), temperature (25–80°C), and the presence of foreign ions. The optimum conditions were determined to be an initial solution pH of 5.0 and a contact time of 120 min. Isotherm models were applied to elucidate the interactions between Pb(II) ions and BLC, while kinetic studies were conducted to evaluate the adsorption performance and underlying mechanisms. The maximum adsorption capacity of BLC was determined as 65.4 mg/g according to the Langmuir isotherm model. Thermodynamic parameters revealed that Pb(II) adsorption on BLC was exothermic, feasible, and spontaneous at 25ºC. Artificial neural network (ANN) studies provided highly accurate predictions by modeling and confirmed the reliability and applicability of the model for Pb(II) removal in industrial applications. This study presents an innovative and sustainable approach for heavy metal removal, offering an effective solution applicable to environmental remediation processes.