Biosorption of a Basic Dye from Aqueous Solutions by Euphorbia rigida

Abstract

In this study, the biosorption of Basic Blue 9 (BB9) dye from aqueous solutions onto a biomass of Euphorbia rigida was examined by means of the initial biosorbate concentration, biosorbent amount, particle size, and pH. Biosorption of BB9 onto E. rigida increases with both the initial biosorbate concentration and biosorbent amount, whereas decreases with the increasing particle size. The experimental data indicated that the biosorption isotherms are well‐described by the Langmuir equilibrium isotherm equation at 20, 30, and 40°C. Maximum biosorption capacity was 3.28×10^?4 mol g^?1 at 40°C. The biosorption kinetics of BB9 obeys the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. The thermodynamic parameters such as ΔG°, ΔH° and ΔS° were calculated to estimate the nature of biosorption. These experimental results have indicated that E. rigida has the potential to act as a biosorbent for the removal of Basic Blue 9 from aqueous solutions.     

Efficient biosorption of a reactive dye from contaminated media by Neurospora sitophila cells—Zea mays silk tissue biomass system

BACKGROUND: A filamentous fungus Neurospora sitophila was immobilized in Zea mays silk tissue and the prepared system was employed as a new biosorbent for the treatment of reactive dye contaminated solutions. RESULTS: Decolorization potential of the biosorbent system was investigated in batch and continuous mode operations. Design parameters such as pH, biomass dosage, contact time, temperature, dye concentration and flow rate were investigated. Batch mode equilibrium data were analyzed kinetically to determine the rate constants. The process followed the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. The thermodynamics of the biosorption indicated the spontaneous and endothermic nature of the process. Biosorption was well described by the Langmuir isotherm model, with a maximum monolayer biosorption capacity of 105.33 mg g^?1. Relatively good dynamic flow decolorization potential was observed for the biosorbent system in synthetic and real wastewater conditions. Flow mode regeneration studies over ten consecutive cycles indicated that the suggested biosorbent maintained consistently high biosorption yield, above 70%. The possible dye‐biosorbent interaction mechanism was also confirmed by zeta potential, FTIR, SEM and EDX analysis. CONCLUSION: High biosorption capacity and regeneration potential suggest that the new biosorbent system can be used as an alternative and low‐cost biomaterial for the treatment of reactive dye contaminated solutions. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Biosorption of Zinc from Aqueous Solutions by Rice Bran: Kinetics and Equilibrium Studies

Abstract

Rice bran, an agricultural by‐product, was used for the removal of zinc ions from aqueous solution. The work considered the determination of zinc‐biomass equilibrium data in batch system. These studies were carried out in order to determine some operational parameters of zinc sorption such as the time required for the Zinc‐biosorbent equilibrium, the effects of biomass particle size, pH, and temperature. The results showed that pH has an importance effect on zinc biosorption capacity. The biosorbent size also affects the zinc biosorption capacity. The sorption process follows pseudo‐second‐order kinetics. The intraparticle diffusion may be the rate‐controlling step involved in the adsorption zinc ions onto the rice bran up to 30 min. The equilibrium data could be best fitted by the Langmuir sorption isotherm equation over the entire concentration range (40–160 mg/dm³). Thermodynamic parameters, such as ΔG°, ΔH°, ΔS°, have been calculated. The thermodynamics of zinc ion/rice bran system indicate spontaneous and endothermic nature of the process.     

Kinetic and Equilibrium Modelling on Copper(II) Removal by Live and Dead Cells of Trichoderma asperellum and the Impact of Pre-Treatments on Biosorption

In this study, the approach is to evaluate the use of Trichoderma asperellum biomass as a biosorbent for Cu²⁺ removal. Both live and dead cells are investigated. The feasibility of T. asperellum as biosorbent is further explored by pre-treating the cells and evaluating their subsequent Cu²⁺ removal efficacy. Results revealed that dead cells of T. asperellum attained biosorption equilibrium within the first 10 min of contact with Cu²⁺ while live cells reached equilibrium after 20 min. Dead cells also absorbed significantly higher amounts of Cu²⁺ (12.42 mg g^?1) compared to live cells (5.69 mg g¹). The biosorption mechanism for both live and dead cells of T. asperellum complied with the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo second-order kinetic, suggesting monolayer sorption. Pre-treatment of dead cells with alkali solutions (NaOH and laundry detergent) further improved sorption efficacy.     

BIOSORPTION STUDIES ON NACL-MODIFIED CERATOPHYLLUM DEMERSUM: REMOVAL OF TOXIC CHROMIUM FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION

The present research provides information on the Cr(VI) removal potential of NaCl-modified Ceratophyllum demersum, an aquatic plant biomass. The effects of various parameters including pH, biomass dosage, contact time, and initial concentration on Cr(VI) biosorption were investigated. The best conditions for Cr(VI) biosorption in the present study were: pH of 2, biosorbent dose of 8 g/L, and contact time of 60 min. Under these conditions, maximum adsorption capacity of modified C. demersum for Cr(VI) was 10.20 mg/g. The experimental biosorption data were modeled by Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) isotherms. The biosorption process followed the Langmuir isotherm model with a high coefficient of determination (R² > 0.99). The biosorption process followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. Further, the biosorbent was characterized by Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that biosorption of Cr(VI) on NaCl-modified C. demersum occurred through chemical sorption.     

Biosorption of Zn(II) by orange waste in batch and packed‐bed systems

BACKGROUND: This research provides new insights into the biosorption of zinc on a waste product from the orange juice industry. Optimal operating conditions maximizing percentage zinc removal were determined in batch and fixed‐bed systems. Biomass was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy and by major cation content in order to better understand the biosorpion mechanism. Zn‐loaded orange waste was proposed to be used as an alternative fuel in cement kilns. RESULTS: Sorption capacity was strongly affected by biosorbent dose and solution pH, and was not strongly sensitive to particle size under the experimental conditions studied. Equilibrium data were successfully described by a Langmuir model and sorption kinetic data were adequately modelled with the pseudo‐second‐order and Elovich rate equation. The biomass was found to possess high sorption capacity (q_max = 0.664 mmol g^?1) and biosorption equilibrium was established in less than 3 h. Experimental breakthrough curves were adequately fitted to the Thomas model and the dose–response model, obtaining sorption capacities in continuous assays higher than those found in batch mode. Characterization of the biomass suggested the possible contribution of carboxyl and hydroxyl groups of biomass in Zn²⁺ biosorption and it also highlighted the important role of light metal ions in a possible ion‐exchange mechanism. CONCLUSIONS: Orange waste could be used as an effective and low‐cost alternative biosorbent material for zinc removal from aqueous solution. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Evaluation of Red Marine Alga Kappaphycus alvarezii as Biosorbent for Methylene Blue: Isotherm,Kinetic, and Mechanism Studies

In this work, non-living red seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) biomass was investigated as a new biosorbent of methylene blue from aqueous solution. The effect of operational parameters such as equilibrium pH, agitation time, initial dye concentrations, and biosorbent dosage on the biosorption capacity of Kappaphycus alvarezii was studied. The equilibrium solution pH was found to profoundly affect methylene blue sorption capacity of Kappaphycus alvarezii with pH 8 found to be optimum. Evidence from Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy pictures confirmed the dye biosorption mechanism as electrostatic interaction between the negatively charged seaweed surface and positively charged methylene blue. Biosorption isotherms indicated that Kappaphycus alvarezii exhibited methylene blue uptake of 74.4 mg/g, according to the Langmuir model. The equilibrium isotherm data were evaluated using the Freundlich, Langmuir, Redlich-Peterson, and Toth models. Kinetic studies revealed that methylene blue uptake was fast with 97% or more of the uptake occurred within 60 min of contact time. The pseudo first and second order models were applied to describe kinetic data, of which the pseudo-first order described experimental data better with high correlation coefficient and low percentage of error values.     

Equilibrium,Thermodynamic, and Kinetic Studies on Trichoderma viride Biomass as Biosorbent for the Removal of Cu(II) from Water

Equilibrium, thermodynamic, and kinetic studies on the biosorption of Cu(II) using biomass, Trichoderma viride were carried out. The biosorbent was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were applied to describe the biosorption process. The influence of pH, the biomass dosage, the contact time, the initial metal ion concentration, and the temperature of the solution on the biosorption was studied. The maximum Cu(II) biosorption was attained at pH 5. The equilibrium data were better fit by the Langmuir isotherm model than by the Freundlich isotherm. The maximum biosorption capacity of T. viride biomass was found to be 19.6 mg/g for Cu(II). The kinetic studies indicated that the biosorption of Cu(II) followed the pseudo-second-order model. The calculated thermodynamic parameters, Gibbs-free energy (ΔG^o), enthalpy (ΔH^o), and entropy (ΔS^o) showed that the biosorption of Cu(II) onto T. viride biomass was spontaneous and endothermic. It can be concluded that the T. viride biomass has the potential as an effective and low-cost biosorbent for Cu(II) removal from aqueous solutions.     

Biosorption of lac dye by the red marine alga Gracilaria tenuistipitata: biosorption kinetics,isotherms, and thermodynamic parameters

The hypothesis that the dried, ground biomass of the red marine alga Gracilaria tenuistipitata could be used for the efficient removal of lac dye from aqueous solution was assessed in this work. The effects of parameters such as initial pH, biosorbent dosage, contact time, initial dye concentration, and temperature on the biosorption capacity of the dye were investigated. Equilibrium data were analysed using Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherm models, and the Freundlich model provided the highest coefficient of determination values. Biosorption kinetic data were successfully described with a pseudo‐second‐order model at initial dye concentrations of 50, 80, 100, and 120 mg l^?1. The thermodynamic parameters of biosorption – enthalpy change (?H° = ?30.64 kJ mol^?1), free energy change (?G° = 4.32 kJ mol^?1 at 303 K to 7.78 kJ mol^?1 at 333 K), and entropy change (?S° = ?115.38 J mol^?1 K^?1) – were determined. The negative value of the enthalpy change and positive values of the free energy change indicate that the biosorption process is exothermic and non‐spontaneous. The negative value of the entropy change is consistent with decreased randomness at the solid–liquid interface with dye biosorption. Attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis confirmed the presence of lac dye on the G. tenuistipitata material. The efficiency of lac dye removal by this biomass material at 20 g l^?1 and with an initial dye concentration of 50 mg l^?1 in acidic solution was 71%, which indicated its potential usefulness as a new dye biosorbent.     

Adsorption behaviors of crystal violet from aqueous solution using Anatolian black pine (Pinus nigra Arnold.): kinetic and equilibrium studies

ABSTRACT

In this study, Anatolian black pine (ABP, Pinus nigra Arnold.) was evaluated as biosorbent for removal of crystal violet (CV) from aqueous solution. The influence of operational parameters including solution pH, initial CV concentration, biosorbent dosage, contact time, and temperature were studied in batch systems. The adsorption data followed well Langmuir isotherm with a maximum biosorption capacity of 12.36 mg/g. The equilibrium data were better fitted with pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R² ? 0.99). Moreover, the thermodynamic parameters indicated that the CV biosorption was feasible, spontaneous, and endothermic process. This study showed that ABP (Pinus nigra Arnold.) can be used to remove CV from aqueous solutions.     

Biosorption potential of Neurospora crassa cells for decolorization of Acid Red 57 (AR57) dye

Biosorption of Acid Red 57 (AR57) on to Neurospora crassa was studied with variation of pH, contact time, biosorbent and dye concentrations and temperature to determine equilibrium and kinetic models. The AR57 biosorption was fast and equilibrium was attained within 40 min. Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) isotherm models were applied to experimental equilibrium data for AR57 biosorption at various temperatures. The equilibrium data fitted very well to all the equilibrium models in the studied concentration range of AR57. Maximum biosorption capacity (q_max) of AR57 on to N. crassa was 2.16 × 10^?4 mol g^?1 at 20 °C. The kinetics of biosorption of AR57 were analyzed and rate constants were derived. The overall biosorption process was best described by a pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. The changes in Gibbs free energy, enthalpy and entropy of biosorption were also evaluated for the biosorption of AR57 on to N. crassa. The results indicate that the biosorption was spontaneous and exothermic in nature. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Removal of nickel from aqueous solutions by citric acid modified Ceiba pentandra hulls: Equilibrium and kinetic studies

The removal of Ni(II) from aqueous solutions using biomass prepared from Ceiba pentandra hulls powder modified with citric acid treatment (CAMCPH) has been studied by batch method. The biosorbent was characterised before and after citric acid modification using SEM, FT‐IR and XRD. Experimental parameters that influence the biosorption of Ni(II), such as pH, biosorbent dose, contact time and initial concentration of metal ion have been investigated. The adsorption of Ni(II) increased with increase in contact time and reached equilibrium within 50 min. The maximum removal of Ni(II) was observed at pH 5.0. The kinetic data were analysed using three adsorption kinetic models: the pseudo‐first, second‐order kinetics and intra‐particle diffusion. The results showed that the pseudo‐second‐order model fits the experimental data very well. The equilibrium data were analysed using Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models. Langmuir model provided the best correlation for the adsorption of Ni(II) by CAMCPH and the monolayer biosorption capacity for Ni(II) removal was 34.34 mg/g. Desorption experiments were carried out using HCl solution and the recovery of the metal ion from CAMCPH was found 98%. Desorption experiments showed the feasibility of regeneration of the biosorbent for further use after treating with dilute HCl. © 2011 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering     

Equilibrium,Kinetic, and Thermodynamic Studies on the Biosorption of Selenium (IV) Ions onto Ganoderma Lucidum Biomass

The capacity of Ganoderma lucidum biomass for biosorption of selenium (IV) ions from aqueous solution was studied in a batch mode. In this study the effects of operating parameters such as solution pH, adsorbent dosage, initial metal concentration, contact time, and temperature were investigated. The adsorption capacity of G. lucidum was found to be 126.99 mg g^?1. The biosorption follows pseudo-first order kinetics and the isotherms fit well to both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. Isotherms have been used to determine thermodynamic parameters of the process, that is, free energy, enthalpy, and entropy changes. Furthermore, the biosorbent was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and FT-IR analysis. FT-IR analysis of fungal biomass shows the presence of amino, carboxyl, hydroxyl, and carbonyl groups, which were responsible for the biosorption of selenium(IV) ions. The results indicated that the biomass of G. lucidum is an efficient biosorbent for the removal of selenium (IV) ions from aqueous solutions.     

Cadmium(II) biosorption from aqueous solutions using Hydrilla verticillata

The kinetics and equilibrium of cadmium biosorption from aqueous solutions were investigated using fresh tissues of Hydrilla verticillata. The biosorptive characteristics of cadmium ions were studied with respect to well‐established effective parameters, including pH, temperature and contact time. The biosorptive capacity of H. verticillata for cadmium increased with increasing pH. In addition, the resulting isotherms were well‐described by Langmuir and extended Langmuir models (R² = 0.9794–0.9957 and 0.9880, respectively). The comparison between calculated and experimental q_e values showed that the extended Langmuir model had a better simulation for the cadmium biosorption by H. verticillata than the Langmuir isotherm model. The equilibrium biosorption data at a constant temperature were well‐interpreted by the Langmuir model. The maximum biosorptive capacity increased from 33.54 to 37.46 mg/g when the solution temperature was increased from 278 to 298 K. Other various thermodynamic parameters were also estimated. Biosorptive equilibrium was established within approximately 20 min. Moreover, the pseudo‐second‐order equation was more appropriate in predicting biosorptive capacity than the pseudo‐first‐order equation. In practical viewpoints, the abundant and inexpensive plant biomass H. verticillata can be used as an effective and environmentally friendly biosorbent for the detoxification of cadmium from aqueous solutions. © 2012 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering     

Nickel and cobalt sorption on anaerobic granular sludges: kinetic and equilibrium studies

The kinetics and equilibria of sorption of the divalent metal ions cobalt and nickel onto anaerobic granular sludge are described. Single component and binary equimolar systems were studied at different pH values (pH 6, 7 and 8). The kinetic modelling of metal sorption by anaerobic granular sludge has been carried out using Lagergren equations. On fitting the experimental kinetic data both in first‐ and pseudo‐second‐order equations, the regression analysis of a pseudo‐second‐order equation gave a higher r² value, indicating that both external mass transfer and intra‐particle diffusion are involved in the sorption process. The experimental isotherm data were analysed using the Langmuir, Freundlich and Redlich–Peterson equations. The Redlich isotherm, a combination of the Langmuir and Freundlich equations, was found to have the highest regression correlation coefficients at pH 7. At pH 8, the Langmuir mechanism dominated for cobalt and nickel adsorption. In contrast, at pH 6, the Freundlich equation gave a better correlation coefficient which suggests a more heterogeneous adsorption at that pH. The maximal adsorption capacity of the granular sludge, as determined by the Langmuir equation, for cobalt or nickel in single systems (8.92 mg g^?1 Co TSS; 9.41 mg g^?1 Ni TSS, pH 7) compared with binary systems (8.06 mg g^?1 Co TSS; 8.43 mg g^?1 Ni TSS, pH 7) showed no great difference in the accumulation of these metals onto granular sludge. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Biosorption of phenolic compounds from aqueous solutions onto chitosan–abrus precatorius blended beads

BACKGROUND: This research focuses on understanding the biosorption process and developing a cost‐effective technology for the treatment of water contaminated with phenolic compounds (phenol, 2‐chlorophenol and 4‐chlorophenol), which are discharged into the aquatic environment from a variety of sources and are highly toxic. In order to remove phenolic compounds from water, a new biobased sorbent is developed, blending chitosan with abrus precatorius, both naturally occurring biopolymers. The resulting chitosan–abrus precatorius blended beads (CS/Ab) were characterized by Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques under batch equilibrium and column flow experimental conditions. The binding capacity of the biosorbent was investigated as a function of initial pH, contact time, initial concentration of adsorbate and dosage of adsorbent. RESULTS: The percentage removal of phenol, 2‐CP and 4‐CP increased with increasing adsorbent dose, while the adsorption capacity at equilibrium, q_e (mg g^?1) (amount of phenol, 2‐CP and 4‐CP loaded per unit weight of adsorbent) decreased. The equilibrium time was found to be 240 min for full equilibration of all adsorbates. Adsorption kinetic and isotherm studies showed that the pseudo‐first‐order model and the Langmuir isotherm were the best choices to describe the adsorption behaviors. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of phenol, 2‐CP and 4‐CP on to the (CS/Ab) beads was found to be 156 mg g^?1, 204 mg g^?1 and 278 mg g^?1, respectively. CONCLUSION: The experimental results suggested that (CS/Ab) blended beads are effective in the removal of phenolic compounds from aqueous medium. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Removal of lead (II) and cadmium (II) from aqueous solutions using spent Agaricus bisporus

The sorption of Pb and Cd from aqueous solutions by spent Agaricus bisporus was investigated. The effects of contact time, pH, ionic medium, initial metal concentration, other metal ions presence and ligands were studied in batch experiments at 25°C. Maximum sorption for both metals was found to occur at an initial pH of around 5.5. The equilibrium process was well described by the Langmuir isotherm model, with maximum sorption capacities of 0.2345 and 0.1273 mmol g^?1 for Pb and Cd respectively. Kinetic data followed the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. The presence of NaCl and NaClO₄ caused a reduction in Cd sorption, while Pb sorption was not remarkably affected. The presence of other metals did not affect Pb removal, while the Cd removal was much reduced. HCl or EDTA solutions were able to desorb Cd from the spent Agaricus bisporus (SAB) completely, while an approximately 60% and 15% desorption yield was obtained for Pb when HCl 0.01 mol L^?1 or EDTA 0.001 mol L^?1 were used, respectively. The results of FTIR, SEM and EDX analysis indicated that other mechanisms, such as surface complexation and electrostatic interactions, must be involved in the metal sorption in addition to ion exchange. © 2012 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering     

Application of Chattim tree (devil tree,Alstonia scholaris) saw dust as a biosorbent for removal of hexavalent chromium from contaminated water

“Devil tree saw dust”; a novel biosorbent has been utilised successfully for the removal of hexavalent chromium from contaminated water. Batch adsorption procedure is utilised to test the ability of saw dust as an adsorbent for hexavalent chromium (reduction coupled adsorption). The contribution of various parameters on sorption, such as contact time, sorbate concentration, pH of the medium and temperature were estimated and maximum uptake of hexavalent chromium from contaminated water was 333.33 mg g^?1 at pH 2.0 and temperature of 35°C. Hexavalent chromium uptake from contaminated water followed the pseudo‐first‐order rate expression. The standard free energy change (ΔG⁰), standard enthalpy change (ΔH⁰) and standard entropy change (ΔS⁰) have also been evaluated and it has been concluded that the sorption was feasible, spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The process follows well Langmuir isotherm. Fourier Transform Infra‐Red (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of hexavalent chromium loaded and unloaded saw dust were performed, SEM clearly indicates chromium adsorption. FTIR spectroscopy revealed the involvement of carbonyl, hydroxyl and amide groups on the cell surfaces in chromium binding. Very good adsorption capacity and low cost or cost free of devil tree saw dust makes this biosorbent as one of the best adsorbents for removal of hexavalent chromium from contaminated water. © 2012 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering     

Biosorption of thorium from aqueous solution by Ca-pretreated brown algae Cystoseira indica

The potential use of a biosorbent, Cystoseira indica, obtained from the Persian Gulf was investigated for the removal of Th (IV) ions from aqueous solutions by considering equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic aspects. The FT-IR spectra of unloaded and Th-loaded biomass indicated various functionalities on the biomass surface including hydroxyl, amide and carboxyl groups, which are responsible for the binding of thorium ions. Th (IV) uptake by C. indica was pH dependent. An increase in biosorbent dosage up to 1 g/L caused an increase in the Th (IV) percentage removal. Biosorption process at all studied initial Th (IV) ion concentrations follows the pseudo-second order kinetic model. The biosorption data could be well described by Redlich-Peterson isotherm in comparison to Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The maximum sorption capacity of Th (IV) by Langmuir isotherm was estimated to be 169.49 mg/g at 45 °C with pH of 3. The thermodynamic parameters indicated the biosorption of Th on the biomass was a feasible, spontaneous and endothermic process. Th sorption capacity remained unaffected or slightly affected (<10% inhibition) in the presence of several interfering ions such as uranium (VI), nickel (II) and copper (II). The reusability of the biomass was also determined after five sorption-desorption cycles.     

Nickel removal characteristics of an immobilized macro fungus: equilibrium,kinetic and mechanism analysis of the biosorption

BACKGROUND: An immobilized new biosorbent was prepared from macro fungi Lactarius salmonicolor for the effective removal of nickel ions from aqueous media. Operating conditions were optimized as functions of initial pH, agitation time, sorbent amount and dynamic flow rate. Immobilization and biosorption mechanism were examined and the developed biosorbent was tested for the removal of nickel ions from real wastewater. RESULTS: Biosorption performance of the biomass continuously increased in the pH range 2.0–8.0. The coverage of the biosorbent surface by silica gel resulted in a significant increase in biosorption yield of nickel ions. The highest nickel loading capacity was obtained as 114.44 mg g^?1 using a relatively small amount of immobilized biosorbent. Biosorption equilibrium time was recorded as 5 min. Experimental data were analyzed by different isotherm and kinetic models. Infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray energy dispersive analysis confirmed the process. The sorbent exhibited relatively good recovery potential in dynamic flow mode studies. Biosorption capacity of immobilized biosorbent was noted as 14.90 mg g^?1 in real wastewater. CONCLUSION: Silica gel immobilized biomass of L. salmonicolor is to be a low cost and potential biosorbent with high biosorption capacity for the removal of contaminating nickel from aqueous media. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry