Abstract
This study reveals the potential of modified Phoenix Dactylifera L. seeds as a bio-sorbent to adsorb Ni (II) ions present in simulated wastewater. The effect of initial pH and contact time on the uptake of Ni (II) ions were studied. Pore diffusion model was fitted to determine the rate limiting step (RLS). Increase in pH from 3 to 5 increased the removal efficiency from 7.68 to 24.8 %. The maximum uptake of Ni(II) ions was 4.18 and 12.4 mg/g at pH 3 and 5 nd respectively. The Pseudo 2 order(PSO) model was found most suitable in kinetic studies, 2 showing value of correlation coefficient R close to unity. Most of the bio-sorption process was completed in first 20 minutes at pH 3 and 5 after that no substantial change was observed and system remained at equilibrium. Weber and Moris model showed multi linearity, indicating chemisorption to be rate limiting step (RLS) in bio-sorption of Ni (II) ions on modified Phoenix Dactylifera L. seeds.