Development of a first-order kinetics-based model for the adsorption of nickel onto peat

The use of peat for the removal of nickel from aqueous solutions has been investigated at various pH values by means of static conditions. The present research shows that the ability of Ni to bind to peat increases as the pH value increases. The solutions reach adsorption equilibrium rapidly. A reasonable kinetic model, first-order in nickel concentration, has been developed and fitted to the adsorption of nickel (II) onto peat. The first-order model provides a good correlation to the experimental data. The characteristic parameters of the Langmuir isotherm were determined at various temperatures. The relationship between kinetics and equilibrium isotherms was established through the forward- and backward-rate-constants, k1 and k2, and the equilibrium constant, K.