Biosorption and desorption of Nickel on oil cake: Batch and column studies

► Due to lower C/N ratio MOC could be considered as an ecofriendly biosorbent. ► Acidic functionalities were actively involved in biosorption. ► Column desorption studies revealed that it could be utilized for Ni(II) preconcentration. ► 100% Ni(II) recovery in single-metal system with acid was observed by batch process. ► For regeneration no significant loss in biosorption was observed for seven consecutive cycles.