Removal of cadmium from aqueous solution by batch studies using Bacillus cereus

•Bacillus cereus is capable of adsorbing Cd2+ effectively.•Important functional responsible for Cd2+ biosorption is CO.•Batch sorption conditions were optimized.•Maximum removal of Cd2+ was found to be 82%.

The biosorption of cadmium has been investigated using batch technique. In the present study the Cd2+ tolerant bacterial strain KTSMBNL 43 was isolated from electroplating industrial soil. The isolated strain KTSMBNL 43 was identified as Bacillus cereus based on 16S rDNA sequencing analysis. Various parameters which influence metal removal such as pH, temperature, initial metal concentration and contact time were investigated. The role of functional groups such as OH, CO, CC, and CC involved in the biosorption of metal ions were also analysed. The surface characterization was examined by SEM–EDX and XRD techniques. The maximum biosorption capacity (82%) was observed as pH 6.0 and 35 °C with an initial metal concentration of 200 mg L−1 Cd2+. The results implied that B. cereus can be an interesting alternative, low cost and environmental friendly biosorbent that may have important application in Cd2+ removal from polluted soil.