Metal biosorption onto dry biomass of Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis and Chlorella vulgaris: Multi-metal systems

► Arthrospira platensis and Chlorella vulgaris are potential sorbents of Ni2+, Zn2+ and Pb2+ mixtures. ► A. platensis and C. vulgaris exhibit the following affinity order: Pb2+ > Zn2+ > Ni2+. ► Zn2+ and Ni2+ compete somewhat equally in A. platensis and C. vulgaris biosorption. ► Pb2+ biosorption by A. platensis and C. vulgaris is mostly not affected by Zn2+ and Ni2+. ► C. vulgaris proved a better sorbent than A. platensis in Ni2+, Zn2+ and Pb2+ biosorption.