Abstract

Polypogon monspeliensis a globally available natural waste material was used for uptake of Cd (II) from aqueous solutions in this study. The results clearly demonstrate the effect of important experimental parameters on the biosorption process in batch experiments. The evaluated pH, biosorbent dose, size and initial metal concentration for Cd (II) uptake by  P. monspeliensis waste biomass were 6, 0.05 g, 0.10 mm and 100 mg/L respectively. The Cd (II) sorption process by P. monspeliensis waste biomass was described well by pseudo second order kinetic model and Langumir sorption isotherm model. Metal equilibrium was reached in 120 min. A further increase in incubation time had no significant effect on the biosorption of the metal. FTIR spectroscopic results pointed out the involvement of hydroxyl and amine groups in the Cd (II) sorption by P. monspeliensis waste biomass.

Key words: Polypogon monspeliensis, Cd (II), biosorption, kinetics, isotherms.