Extension of the pore diffusion approach for modelling binary adsorption of lead and arsenic ions in a fixed‐bed column packed with atlantic cod fish scales

The removal of lead and arsenic ions using Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua) fish scale involves ion exchange, chemisorption, and precipitation of its constituents and is competitive with respect to adsorption onto the negatively charged heterogeneous substrates. The nonlinear sorption equilibrium concept is preceded by pore diffusion of the solute and is utilised for numerical modelling of this binary adsorption. Numerical simulation data demonstrate reasonable agreements with experimental results of dynamic column tests. Sensitivity analyses confirm that parameters such as porosity, adsorption coefficient, mobility of ions, and number of sorption sites contribute significantly to breakthrough interval of contaminant in dynamic columns. At lower pH values (7–8.04), the adsorption coefficients of cations such as lead are significantly lower than at pH value of 11.0.