Efficiency of extremophilic microbial mats for removing Pb(II), Cu(II), and Ni(II) ions from aqueous solutions

Two different extremophilic films were used as natural biosorbents to remove Cu(II), Ni(II), and Pb(II) from aqueous solutions. Surface area, scanning electron microscopy imaging, Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy characterize the surfaces of biosorbents. The results indicated high affinity Pb(II), with adsorption rates ranging 73.6 100% for both succeed in removing metal ions mixtures following order: > Cu(II) Ni(II). maximum removal achieved at pH 6, contact time 150 min, biosorbent dose 2.5 g/L, ion concentration 50 mg/L. isothermal studies showed that Langmuir Freundlich models well expressed process. Kinetically, pseudo-second-order reaction better type than pseudo-first-order reaction.