Biosorption Mechanisms for Nickel Ion Removal from Aqueous Solutions
Summary
Biosorption is a surface-mediated process by which biological or bio-derived materials sequester nickel ions from aqueous media. Through interactions involving hydroxyl, carboxyl, amino and other functional groups, Ni²⁺ ions are bound by mechanisms such as ion exchange, complexation, chelation and microprecipitation. The performance of biosorbents is governed by physicochemical parameters—particularly pH, temperature and contact time—which influence metal speciation and sorbent affinity. Equilibrium uptake is commonly described by isotherm models (Langmuir, Freundlich), while adsorption kinetics frequently conform to pseudo-second-order behaviour. Recent developments have focused on engineering hybrid or nanoscale biosorbents to enhance surface area and introduce tailored binding sites, and on the application of statistical experimental designs to optimise removal efficiency. Given nickel’s toxicity and bioaccumulation potential, biosorption presents a low-energy, cost-effective strategy for the treatment of industrial effluents and contaminated waters.
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Biosorption Mechanisms for Nickel Ion Removal from Aqueous Solutions publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in biosorption mechanisms for nickel ion removal from aqueous solutions across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Biosorption: Passive accumulation of metal ions onto biological or bio-derived materials via surface interactions.
Ion exchange: Substitution of metal ions in solution with ions (e.g., H⁺, Na⁺) attached to functional groups on a biosorbent.
Chemisorption: Adsorption process involving the formation of chemical bonds between sorbate and sorbent.
Langmuir isotherm: Model describing monolayer adsorption on a homogeneous surface with a finite number of identical sites.
Pseudo-second-order kinetic model: Rate model assuming adsorption rate is proportional to the square of available sorption sites.
Response Surface Methodology (RSM): Statistical approach for modelling and analysing the influence of multiple variables to identify optimal conditions.
References
- Recent trends in Ni(II) sorption from aqueous solutions using natural materials. Reviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology (2021).
- Adsorptive of Nickel in Wastewater by Olive Stone Waste: Optimization through Multi-Response Surface Methodology Using Desirability Functions. Water (2020).
- Development of Green and Sustainable Cellulose Acetate/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite Films as Efficient Adsorbents for Wastewater Treatment. Polymers (2020).
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