This work proposes Artemia cysts as a dynamic and efficient biosorbent for the elimination of lead ion contaminants which can continuously produce new and multifold cysts as a sorbent in every cycle. Cyst of Artemia is composed of multiple layers covered with a porous surface and numerous functional groups that are capable of vigorous encapsulation of lead ions. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectrometry and X-ray diffraction analyses were used to assess surface properties of the cyst. The most vital parameters in evaluating adsorption rate such as pH, contact time, initial concentration of lead ions and selectivity for uptake of the lead ions in the presence of high concentration of Ca2+/Mg2+/Na+/Cd2+/Co2+/Cu2+/Mn2+/Ni2+ proved that rapid and robust biosorption occurred during these selectivity experiments. The most astounding result to appear from the data was that batch experiment showed the maximum uptake of 94.40% at pH 5.8 in less than 1 min with 50 mg L−1 of initial concentration of lead ions. Equilibrium biosorption well fitted by Langmuir isotherm. The negative value of change in Gibbs free energy (ΔG) indicated the spontaneous adsorption of lead ion on the biosorbent. The enthalpy change indicated that an exothermic reaction was occurring during the biosorption process in which the ΔH was -28.74 kJ mol−1. The results confirmed the efficient, simple and straight forward performance of Artemia cysts in purifying contaminated water from lead ions.

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