Numerical Simulation of Dispersion and Sorption of Se(IV) Through Packed Columns with Non-Living Biomass: Experimental and Numerical Results

A continuous fixed bed study was carried out using the non-living biomass Lemna minor as a biosorbent for the removal of Se(IV) from an aqueous solution. A 3D numerical model was constructed for solving the Navier–Stokes–Brinkman and mass transport equations using the finite element technique with 161,764 tetrahedral elements. Experimental and numerical results were obtained and compared to validate the model, obtaining correlation factors of up to R² = 0.95. From the sensibility analysis, the parameters for the Thomas model best match were obtained, with a value of k = 2.95 × 10⁻³ m/s, K _f  = 0.1201 L/kg, α_L = 0.5 m and α_TH = α_TV = 0.005 m was possible to predict the breakthrough curves of sorption of Se(IV) in packed column with non-living biomass of Lemna minor in aqueous solution. Using the numeric model, seven fixed bed columns with different dimensions were simulated, and from the simulation results the removal of 15 % of Se(IV) was obtained.