Author(s)

Abdulkawi Ali Al-Fakih

Faculty of Science, Department of Medical Microbiology, Ibb University, Ibb, Yemen.

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 15^oC to 40^oC 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.

Nickel, Cadmium, Heavy Metals, Biosorption, Eupenicillium ludwigii

Al-Fakih, A. (2015) Biosorption of Ni²⁺ and Cd²⁺ from Aqueous Solutions Using NaOH-Treated Biomass of Eupenicillium ludwigii: Equilibrium and Mechanistic Studies. Open Journal of Applied Sciences, 5, 376-392. doi: 10.4236/ojapps.2015.57038.