The objective was to analyze the efficiency of macadamia waste with and without chemical changes in biosorption of copper II (Cu2+). The chemical changes in the biosorbent with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and with NaOH and citric acid were evidenced by infrared spectroscopy by the appearance of peaks in 1710 and 1420 cm-1 and by scanning electron microscopy, observed an increase of roughness on the surface. The best results of the adsorption were observed in mesocarp modified with NaOH, in pH equal to 5. An equilibrium time adsorbent - adsorbate was 140 min, in addition, the system followed a kinetic model of pseudo-second order and the maximum adsorption capacity was 28.82 mg g-1. The isotherms for the residues modified with NaOH followed the Langmuir model and the modified with acid were adjusted to the Freundlich model. It was found that the adsorption process was energetically spontaneous due to negative values for the Gibbs energy and the adsorbent has a high capacity of desorption, so this material can be reused. Therefore, this residue is an excellent material to equip future filters for removal of copper II.
biosorption; metal; shell; waste
