Vigilancia Tecnológica

PNZ/PLA composite beads were synthesized for Cu2+ removal in fixed?bed columns. Their structural changes before and after adsorption were analyzed. Adsorption efficiency was optimized using RSM and ANN, with ANN showing higher accuracy. Breakthrough models were applied, and reusability was assessed through multiple adsorption–desorption cycles.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.