Biosorption of Pb (II), Cd (II) and Hg (II) Ions from Model Solutions on Pretreated Waste Bacillus thuringiensis Biomass

In the present study waste pretreated Bacillus thuringiensis biomass was applied as an eco- friendly biosorbent for Pb (II), Cd (II) and Hg (II) from model aqueous solutions. Heat inactivated and alkali treated biomass showed ability for removal of metal ions from single solutions in the following order Pb(II) > Cd(II) > Hg(II). It was proved that the major groups involved in biosorption are hydroxyl/amino, alkyl, carbonyl and phosphoryl groups. The influence of different factors as pH, initial sorbate concentration, biosorbent concentration, contact time was evaluated.