Adsorption of Ni2+, Cd2+, PO43− and NO3− from aqueous solutions by nanostructured microfibrillated cellulose modified with carbonated hydroxyapatite

• CHA/MFC has a relatively high adsorption capacity for Ni2+, Cd2+, PO43− and NO3− from aqueous solutions.
• The same adsorbent is applicable for cationic and anionic compounds.
• The adsorption rate is fast.
• The adsorption is not dependent on the solution pH.

The adsorption of Ni2+, Cd2+, PO43− and NO3− by carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA) modified microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) was studied in the aqueous solution. The modified adsorbent was characterized using elemental analysis, FTIR, SEM and EDAX analysis. The adsorption studies were conducted in batch mode. The effects of pH, contact time, the concentration of metals and the regeneration efficiency were studied. The removal of Ni2+, Cd2+, PO43− and NO3− was not pH dependent. The maximum removal capacities of the CHA/MFC adsorbent for Ni2+, Cd2+, PO43− and NO3− were 2.021, 1.224, 0.843 and 0.209 mmol/g, respectively. The Langmuir and Sips models were representative to simulate adsorption isotherms. The results of adsorption kinetic indicate that adsorption was very fast for all studied compounds.

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