Biosorption of toxic heavy metals from aqueous solutions

Biowaste obtained from the fruit juice industry (FR) was used as biosorbent for the removal of toxic heavy metals (Hg(II), Pb(II), Cd(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Ni(II)). Phosphated FR (P-FR) was prepared by treatment of FR with phosphorous (V) oxychloride. Biosorption of a metal was dependent on the intial pH of the aqueous solution. An efficient removal was obtained with P-FR at low pH. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.