Biosorption of Heavy Metal Ions from Aqueous Solutions

Biosorption employs natural or engineered biological materials to sequester heavy metal ions from water through mechanisms such as ion exchange, complexation and physical adsorption. Widely studied biosorbents include algae, fungi, bacterial biomass and agricultural wastes modified by chemical or thermal treatments to enhance surface functional groups (carboxyl, hydroxyl, amino). Equilibrium isotherm models (Langmuir, Freundlich, Sips) and kinetic models (pseudo‐first‐order, pseudo‐second‐order) underpin the design and optimisation of treatment systems. Key process parameters—pH, contact time, biosorbent dose and regeneration cycles—govern performance. Recent advances integrate nano‐materials, magnetic composites and continuous‐flow reactors to improve capacity, selectivity and recovery. This sustainable approach addresses global challenges posed by industrial effluents, mining discharges and electronic waste leachates, offering pathways to resource recovery and reduced environmental impact.

Research from Nature Portfolio

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Biosorption of Heavy Metal Ions from Aqueous Solutions publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in biosorption of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Biosorption: The passive binding of dissolved substances (e.g., heavy metal ions) onto biological materials.

Biosorbent: A biological material—such as algae, bacterial biomass or agricultural residue—used to adsorb contaminants.

Adsorption isotherm: A mathematical description of the equilibrium relationship between solute concentration in solution and on the adsorbent surface.

Pseudo‐second‐order kinetics: A rate model assuming the adsorption rate is proportional to the square of available binding sites.

Ion exchange: A mechanism in which ions from solution are exchanged with ions attached to functional groups on the biosorbent surface.

Desorption: The process of releasing adsorbed ions from the biosorbent, allowing material regeneration and metal recovery.

References

1. Single and Binary Removals of Pb(II) and Cd(II) with Chemically Modified Opuntia ficus indica Cladodes. Molecules (2023).
2. A Mechanism Assessment and Differences of Cadmium Adsorption on Raw and Alkali-Modified Agricultural Waste. Processes (2022).
3. Developing a magnetic nanocomposite adsorbent based on carbon quantum dots prepared from Pomegranate peel for the removal of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions from aqueous solution. Analytical Methods in Environmental Chemistry Journal (2021).