Copper Removal with Zeolite/Polylactic Acid Beads: Neural Networks and Fixed-Bed Column Insights
Kaila C. Alcantara
Department of Chemical Engineering, Batangas State University, Alangilan Campus, Golden Country Homes, Batangas City, 4200 Philippines
Search for more papers by this authorKristine V. Lucido
Department of Chemical Engineering, Batangas State University, Alangilan Campus, Golden Country Homes, Batangas City, 4200 Philippines
Search for more papers by this authorKirk Hubert R. Mabilangan
Department of Chemical Engineering, Batangas State University, Alangilan Campus, Golden Country Homes, Batangas City, 4200 Philippines
Search for more papers by this authorRhea May Lourene V. Magsino
Department of Chemical Engineering, Batangas State University, Alangilan Campus, Golden Country Homes, Batangas City, 4200 Philippines
Search for more papers by this authorAssoc. Prof. Anita P. Aquino
College of Arts and Sciences, Batangas State University, Pablo Borbon Campus, Rizal Avenue Extension, Batangas City, 4200 Philippines
Analytical Research Center, Batangas State University, Pablo Borbon Campus, Rizal Avenue Extension, Batangas City, 4200 Philippines
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Assoc. Prof. Reygan H. Sangalang
College of Arts and Sciences, Batangas State University, Pablo Borbon Campus, Rizal Avenue Extension, Batangas City, 4200 Philippines
E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Dr. Reymark D. Maalihan
Department of Chemical Engineering, Batangas State University, Alangilan Campus, Golden Country Homes, Batangas City, 4200 Philippines
Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials, North Dakota State University, 1340 Administration Ave, Fargo, North Dakota, 58102 USA
E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorKaila C. Alcantara
Department of Chemical Engineering, Batangas State University, Alangilan Campus, Golden Country Homes, Batangas City, 4200 Philippines
Search for more papers by this authorKristine V. Lucido
Department of Chemical Engineering, Batangas State University, Alangilan Campus, Golden Country Homes, Batangas City, 4200 Philippines
Search for more papers by this authorKirk Hubert R. Mabilangan
Department of Chemical Engineering, Batangas State University, Alangilan Campus, Golden Country Homes, Batangas City, 4200 Philippines
Search for more papers by this authorRhea May Lourene V. Magsino
Department of Chemical Engineering, Batangas State University, Alangilan Campus, Golden Country Homes, Batangas City, 4200 Philippines
Search for more papers by this authorAssoc. Prof. Anita P. Aquino
College of Arts and Sciences, Batangas State University, Pablo Borbon Campus, Rizal Avenue Extension, Batangas City, 4200 Philippines
Analytical Research Center, Batangas State University, Pablo Borbon Campus, Rizal Avenue Extension, Batangas City, 4200 Philippines
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Assoc. Prof. Reygan H. Sangalang
College of Arts and Sciences, Batangas State University, Pablo Borbon Campus, Rizal Avenue Extension, Batangas City, 4200 Philippines
E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Dr. Reymark D. Maalihan
Department of Chemical Engineering, Batangas State University, Alangilan Campus, Golden Country Homes, Batangas City, 4200 Philippines
Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials, North Dakota State University, 1340 Administration Ave, Fargo, North Dakota, 58102 USA
E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
In this study, we evaluate the adsorption efficiency of Philippine natural zeolite/polylactic acid (PNZ/PLA) composite beads for copper removal in fixed-bed columns. The beads were synthesized via alginate cross-linking and characterized for structural, thermal, and adsorption properties. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed polymer–zeolite interactions and Cu2+ coordination, whereas thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated improved thermal stability and zeolite modifications. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)–X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) verified Cu2+ uptake and reduced porosity. Response surface methodology (RSM) optimization predicted high removal efficiency, validated experimentally. Breakthrough modeling confirmed mass transfer–controlled adsorption, and artificial neural network (ANN) provided superior predictive accuracy. Reusability tests showed sustained adsorption, highlighting our beads’ potential for wastewater treatment.
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