Effects of biosorption parameter: Kinetics, isotherm and thermodynamics for Ni(II) biosorption from aqueous solution by Circinella sp

Circinella sp. was employed as a biosorbent for removal of Ni(II) from aqueous solution. The biosorption kinetics and isotherms were investigated. The effect of several parameters, such as biosorbent dosage, contact time, initial concentration, pH and temperature, on biosorption process was evaluated. The kinetic studies indicated that the biosorption followed pseudo-second order kinetic model. Biosorption behaviour of Ni(II) on Circinella sp. was expressed by both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The equilibrium data fit better to the Langmuir model compared to the Freundlich model in concentration range studied (1.0-3.0 mM). The thermodynamic parameters (?G 0, ?H 0 and ?S 0) were also determined, and it was found that the Ni(II) biosorption by Circinella sp. was spontaneous and endothermic in nature. © 2010 by Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Chile