Adsorption of Ni(II) and Cd(II) from water by novel chelating sponge and the effect of alkali-earth metal ions on the adsorption

- Novel chelating sponge PVA-M-H is prepared and characterized.
- PVA-M-H has high adsorption capacity for Ni(II) and Cd(II).
- Adsorption mechanisms of Ni(II) and Cd(II) on PVA-M-H are elucidated.
- Effects of Ca2+ and Mg2+ on absorbing Ni(II) and Cd(II) are elucidated.
- PVA-M-H performs perfect regeneration capacity after multiple uses.