Mobilization and scavenging of Ni + 2 and Cd + 2 from binary metal ions mixture to study the influence of co-cation on biosorption

ABSTRACT Scavenging of Nickel and Cadmium from synthetic metal systems was studied by using Ficus benghalensis as a biosorbent. The characteristic behavior of biosorbent was evaluated by Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Findings were supportive of selected biomass during the experimental procedure. pH 5 was found as a point of zero charge. The concentrations of acidic and basic functional groups (0.3 and 0.02 mmol/g, respectively) on the surface of Ficus benghalensis were estimated by adopting Boehm’s titration. Biosorption parameters were performed, and the co-cation inhibitory effect was found to be significantly higher for Ni + 2 than Cd + 2. The attachment of Ni + 2 was hindered by Cd + 2 present in an aqueous medium. Biosorption capacity varied in Ni + 2 >Ni + 2 mix > Cd + 2 >Cd + 2 mix. For Ni, RMSE values increased from 0.34–0.61 because Ni + 2 faced the inhibitory effect of Cd + 2, but the case was inverse for Cd + 2. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT