TITLE:
Biosorption of Ni2+ and Cd2+ from Aqueous Solutions Using NaOH-Treated Biomass of Eupenicillium ludwigii: Equilibrium and Mechanistic Studies
AUTHORS:
Abdulkawi Ali Al-Fakih
KEYWORDS:
Nickel, Cadmium, Heavy Metals, Biosorption, Eupenicillium ludwigii
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Applied Sciences,
Vol.5 No.7,
July
24,
2015
ABSTRACT: The removal of Ni2+ and Cd2+ ions by Eupenicillium ludwigii biomass was studied in a batch system. The optimum pH for the biosorption was 6 for Ni2+ and 5 for Cd2+. Temperature changes in the range from 15oC to 40oC affected the biosorption capacity, and the nature of the reaction was found to be endothermic for both metal ions. HCl was the best desorbing agent for the desorption of both metals. Chemical modifications of the biomass demonstrated that carboxyl and amine groups played an important role in Ni2+ and Cd2+ biosorption. Ion exchange mechanism was also suggested in the biosorption process.