Cadmium(II) sorption and desorption in a fixed bed column using sunflower waste carbon calcium-alginate beads

► We studied removal of cadmium from wastewater by column mode by a new adsorbent. ► Sunflower plant biomass has been converted into calcium-alginate beads. ► The metal removal is dependent on bed height, flow rate and metal concentration. ► The column can be used for three cycles.