Prediction of metal-adsorption behaviour in the remediation of water contamination using indigenous microorganisms

► Competition among metals for binding on biosorbent affect specific uptake. ► Microbial sorbents affinities for heavy vs. light metals varied. ► They easily uptake nickel and cobalt than magnesium and calcium. ► Nickel level in mining water was reduced to acceptable value using these biosorbents. ► However relatively high concentration of light metals inhibit uptake of heavy metals.