Green approach for Ni (II) ion sequestration from aqueous solution using Phyllanthus emblica seed coat
Article Main
Abstract
Nickel (Ni), a transition element, is widely distributed in the environmental segments through natural sources and anthropogenic activities. Nickel’s chronic exposure to human beings may cause allergies, cardiovascular issues, gastrointestinal distress, kidney issues, scarring of the lungs/cancer, inflammation, etc. Nickel compounds can be readily dissolved in water to form hydrated nickel (II) ions in an aqueous medium. The present study investigated the performance of an environmentally friendly adsorbent for sequestering Ni(II) ions from aqueous solution under various conditions. The Phyllanthus emblica(Amla) (PE) seed coat was used to remove Ni(II) ions from aqueous solution for the first time. The adsorption capacity of PE has been studied under various conditions, including concentration, pH, dose effect, and equilibrium time, to explore the optimal options for removal. Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherms were fitted to data. Freundlich fitted better (R² = 0.9911), indicating that the adsorption process is more likely heterogeneous and involves multilayer adsorption. Maximum nickel removal was observed at pH 7 and an adsorbent dose of up 0.1g/L.The Langmuir isotherm plot indicated a maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of 15.32 mg/g. Theregeneration studies confirmed that the material can be reused with a small change in its adsorption efficiency after regeneration, making the processes more economical and reducing the amount of waste material.The outcomes of this research maycontribute to sustainable, cost-effective solutions for Ni(II)- contaminated water treatment.
Article Details
Article Details
Keywords
Adsorption, Isotherms, Natural adsorbent, Ni(II), Remediation, Water treatment
References
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Ewecharoen, A., Thiravetyan, P., Wendel, E. & Bertagnolli, H. (2009). Nickel adsorption by sodium polyacrylate-grafted activated carbon. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 171(1-3), 335-339. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2009.06.008
Gupta, S., Sharma, S. K. & Kumar, A. (2019). Biosorption of Ni (II) ions from aqueous solution using modified Aloe barbadensis miller leaf powder. Water Science and Engineering, 12(1), 27-36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wse.2019.04.003
Heikkinen, P., Korkka-Niemi, K., Lahti, M. & Salonen, V. P. (2002). Groundwater and surface water contamination in the area of the Hitura nickel mine, Western Finland. Environmental Geology, 42(4), 313-329. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-002-0525-z
Katal, R., Hasani, E., Farnam, M., Baei, M. S. & Ghayyem, M. A. (2012). Charcoal ash as an adsorbent for Ni (II) adsorption and its application for wastewater treatment. Journal of Chemical & Engineering Data, 57(2), 374-383. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e 21862
Kulkarni, K., Sudheer, V. & Girish, C. R. (2018). Phenol adsorption from wastewater using cashew nut shells as adsorbent. Int. J. Eng. Technol., 7(3), 966-969.doi: 10.14419/ijet.v7i3.9771
Lata, S., Singh, P. K., & Samadder, S. R. (2015). Regeneration of adsorbents and recovery of heavy metals: a review. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 12(4), 1461-1478. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajce.2024.07.006
Malkoc, E. & Nuhoglu, Y. (2005). Investigations of nickel (II) removal from aqueous solutions using tea factory waste. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 127(1-3), 120-128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2005.06.030
Mohammed, E., Mohammed, T. & Mohammed, A. (2017). Optimization of an acid digestion procedure for the determination of Hg, As, Sb, Pb and Cd in fish muscle tissue. MethodsX, 4, 513-523. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mex.2021.101241
Nnaji, C. C., Agim, A. E., Mama, C. N., Emenike, P. C. & Ogarekpe, N. M. (2021). Equilibrium and thermodynamic investigation of biosorption of nickel from water by activated carbon made from palm kernel chaff. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 7808.doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-86932-6.
Onursal, N., Altunkaynak, Y., Baran, A. & Dal, M. C. (2023). Adsorption of nickel (II) ions from aqueous solutions using Malatya clay: Equilibrium, kinetic, and thermodynamic studies. Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy, 42(5), e14150.
Pahlavanzadeh, H. & Motamedi, M. (2019). Adsorption of nickel, Ni (II), in aqueous solution by modified zeolite as a cation-exchange adsorbent. Journal of Chemical & Engineering Data, 65(1), 185-197. DOI:10.1021/acs.jced.9b00868
Pandey, P. K., Choubey, S., Verma, Y., Pandey, M., Kalyan Kamal, S. S. & Chandrashekhar, K. (2007). Biosorptive removal of Ni (II) from wastewater and industrial effluent. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 4(4), 332-339. doi:10.3390/ijerph200704040009
Parmar, M. & Thakur, L. S. (2013). Heavy metal Cu, Ni and Zn: toxicity, health hazards and their removal techniques by low cost adsorbents: a short overview. Int. J. Plant Anim. Environ. Sci., 3(3), 143-157.
Prithviraj, D., Deboleena, K., Neelu, N., Noor, N., Aminur, R., Balasaheb, K. & Abul, M. (2014). Biosorption of nickel by Lysinibacillus sp. BA2 native to bauxite mine. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 107, 260-268. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clce.2022.100054
Rafatullah, M. M. R. Y., Sulaiman, O., Hashim, R. & Ahmad, A. (2009). Adsorption of copper (II), chromium (III), nickel (II) and lead (II) ions from aqueous solutions by meranti sawdust. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 170(2-3), 969-977. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2009.05.066
Rahman, N. N. N. A., Shahadat, M., Won, C. A. & Omar, F. M. (2014). FTIR study and bioadsorption kinetics of bioadsorbent for the analysis of metal pollutants. RSC Advances, 4(102), 58156-58163.DOI:10.1039/C4RA05931J
Rani, P., Johar, R. & Jassal, P. S. (2020). Adsorption of nickel (II) ions from wastewater using glutaraldehyde cross-linked magnetic chitosan beads: isotherm, kinetics and thermodynamics. Water Science and Technology, 82(10), 2193-2202. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dwt.2024.100293
Raval, N. P., Shah, P. U. & Shah, N. K. (2016). Adsorptive removal of nickel (II) ions from aqueous environment: A review. Journal of Environmental Management, 179, 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2016.04.045Get rights and content
Renu, Agarwal, M. & Singh, K. (2024). Experimental study of competitive heavy metals removal from multimetal solution using wheat bran as a biomaterial: Response surface methodology. Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy, 43(2), e14288. https://doi.org/10.1002/ep.14288
Saini, S., Kumar, R., Chawla, J. & Kaur, I. (2018).Punicagranatum (pomegranate) carpellary membrane and its modified form used as adsorbent for removal of cadmium (II) ions from aqueous solution. Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology—AQUA, 67(1), 68-83. https://doi.org/10.2166/aqua.2017.026
Sinyeue, C., Garioud, T., Lemestre, M., Meyer, M., Brégier, F., Chaleix, V., ... & Lebouvier, N. (2022). Biosorption of nickel ions Ni2+ by natural and modified Pinus caribaea morelet sawdust. Heliyon, 8(2). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e08842
Srivastava, P. & Hasan, S. H. (2011). Biomass of mucor heimalis for the biosorption of cadmium from aqueous solutions: equilibrium and kinetic studies. BioResources, 6(4).
Torab-Mostaedi, M., Asadollahzadeh, M., Hemmati, A. & Khosravi, A. (2013). Equilibrium, kinetic, and thermodynamic studies for biosorption of cadmium and nickel on grapefruit peel. Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers, 44(2), 295-302. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtice.2012.11.001
Wassel, M. A., Shehata, H. A.,Youssef, H.F., Ahmed, S.E. & Fahmy, A., (2016). Nickel ions adsorption by prepared zeolite-A: Examination of process parameters, kinetics and isotherms.International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, 3(7), 422-429.
Xiang, H., Yang, Z., Liu, X., Lu, F., Zhao, F. & Chai, L. (2025). Advancements in functional adsorbents for sustainable recovery of rare earth elements from wastewater: A comprehensive review of performance, mechanisms, and applications. Advances in Colloid and Interface Science, 103403.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cis.2025.103403
Ahmad B., Hafeez N., Rauf A., Bashir S., Linfang H. & Rehman M. U., et al. (2021). Phyllanthus emblica: a comprehensive review of its therapeutic benefits. South Afr. J. Bot., 138, 278–310. 10.1016/j.sajb.2020.12.028
Aldoihi, S., Mallah, A., Alluhayb, A. H., Elamin, M. R., Elamin, N. Y., Alqarni, L. S., ... & Modwi, A. (2024). Utilization of efficient Al2O3@ g-C3N4 nano sorbent for eliminated Ni (II) ions from polluted water. Journal of Science: Advanced Materials and Devices, 9, 100742.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsamd.2024.100742
Al-Gaashani, R., Alyasi, H., Karamshahi, F., Simson, S., Tongb, Y., Kochkodan, V. & Lawler, J. (2024). Nickel removal from synthetic wastewater by novel zeolite-doped magnesium-iron-and zinc-oxide nanocomposites by hydrothermal-calcination technique. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 30954.
Aravind, J., Bhattacharya, G., Keerthana, B., Saud, M. H. A. & Nachammai, S. S. (2017). Removal of nickel from synthetic waste water using gooseberry seeds as biosorbent. In Bioremediation and Sustainable Technologies for Cleaner Environment (pp. 103-118). Cham: Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11157-021-09599-5(0123456789().,-volV)
Awual, M. E., Salman, M. S., Hasan, M. M., Hasan, M. N., Kubra, K. T., Sheikh, M. C., ...& Awual, M. R. (2024). Ligand imprinted composite adsorbent for effective Ni (II) ion monitoring and removal from contaminated water. Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, 131, 585-592.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jiec.2023.10.062
Cempel, M. & Nikel, G. J. P. J. S. (2006). Nickel: a review of its sources and environmental toxicology. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, 15(3).
Ewecharoen, A., Thiravetyan, P., Wendel, E. & Bertagnolli, H. (2009). Nickel adsorption by sodium polyacrylate-grafted activated carbon. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 171(1-3), 335-339. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2009.06.008
Gupta, S., Sharma, S. K. & Kumar, A. (2019). Biosorption of Ni (II) ions from aqueous solution using modified Aloe barbadensis miller leaf powder. Water Science and Engineering, 12(1), 27-36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wse.2019.04.003
Heikkinen, P., Korkka-Niemi, K., Lahti, M. & Salonen, V. P. (2002). Groundwater and surface water contamination in the area of the Hitura nickel mine, Western Finland. Environmental Geology, 42(4), 313-329. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-002-0525-z
Katal, R., Hasani, E., Farnam, M., Baei, M. S. & Ghayyem, M. A. (2012). Charcoal ash as an adsorbent for Ni (II) adsorption and its application for wastewater treatment. Journal of Chemical & Engineering Data, 57(2), 374-383. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e 21862
Kulkarni, K., Sudheer, V. & Girish, C. R. (2018). Phenol adsorption from wastewater using cashew nut shells as adsorbent. Int. J. Eng. Technol., 7(3), 966-969.doi: 10.14419/ijet.v7i3.9771
Lata, S., Singh, P. K., & Samadder, S. R. (2015). Regeneration of adsorbents and recovery of heavy metals: a review. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 12(4), 1461-1478. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajce.2024.07.006
Malkoc, E. & Nuhoglu, Y. (2005). Investigations of nickel (II) removal from aqueous solutions using tea factory waste. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 127(1-3), 120-128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2005.06.030
Mohammed, E., Mohammed, T. & Mohammed, A. (2017). Optimization of an acid digestion procedure for the determination of Hg, As, Sb, Pb and Cd in fish muscle tissue. MethodsX, 4, 513-523. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mex.2021.101241
Nnaji, C. C., Agim, A. E., Mama, C. N., Emenike, P. C. & Ogarekpe, N. M. (2021). Equilibrium and thermodynamic investigation of biosorption of nickel from water by activated carbon made from palm kernel chaff. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 7808.doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-86932-6.
Onursal, N., Altunkaynak, Y., Baran, A. & Dal, M. C. (2023). Adsorption of nickel (II) ions from aqueous solutions using Malatya clay: Equilibrium, kinetic, and thermodynamic studies. Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy, 42(5), e14150.
Pahlavanzadeh, H. & Motamedi, M. (2019). Adsorption of nickel, Ni (II), in aqueous solution by modified zeolite as a cation-exchange adsorbent. Journal of Chemical & Engineering Data, 65(1), 185-197. DOI:10.1021/acs.jced.9b00868
Pandey, P. K., Choubey, S., Verma, Y., Pandey, M., Kalyan Kamal, S. S. & Chandrashekhar, K. (2007). Biosorptive removal of Ni (II) from wastewater and industrial effluent. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 4(4), 332-339. doi:10.3390/ijerph200704040009
Parmar, M. & Thakur, L. S. (2013). Heavy metal Cu, Ni and Zn: toxicity, health hazards and their removal techniques by low cost adsorbents: a short overview. Int. J. Plant Anim. Environ. Sci., 3(3), 143-157.
Prithviraj, D., Deboleena, K., Neelu, N., Noor, N., Aminur, R., Balasaheb, K. & Abul, M. (2014). Biosorption of nickel by Lysinibacillus sp. BA2 native to bauxite mine. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 107, 260-268. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clce.2022.100054
Rafatullah, M. M. R. Y., Sulaiman, O., Hashim, R. & Ahmad, A. (2009). Adsorption of copper (II), chromium (III), nickel (II) and lead (II) ions from aqueous solutions by meranti sawdust. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 170(2-3), 969-977. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2009.05.066
Rahman, N. N. N. A., Shahadat, M., Won, C. A. & Omar, F. M. (2014). FTIR study and bioadsorption kinetics of bioadsorbent for the analysis of metal pollutants. RSC Advances, 4(102), 58156-58163.DOI:10.1039/C4RA05931J
Rani, P., Johar, R. & Jassal, P. S. (2020). Adsorption of nickel (II) ions from wastewater using glutaraldehyde cross-linked magnetic chitosan beads: isotherm, kinetics and thermodynamics. Water Science and Technology, 82(10), 2193-2202. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dwt.2024.100293
Raval, N. P., Shah, P. U. & Shah, N. K. (2016). Adsorptive removal of nickel (II) ions from aqueous environment: A review. Journal of Environmental Management, 179, 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2016.04.045Get rights and content
Renu, Agarwal, M. & Singh, K. (2024). Experimental study of competitive heavy metals removal from multimetal solution using wheat bran as a biomaterial: Response surface methodology. Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy, 43(2), e14288. https://doi.org/10.1002/ep.14288
Saini, S., Kumar, R., Chawla, J. & Kaur, I. (2018).Punicagranatum (pomegranate) carpellary membrane and its modified form used as adsorbent for removal of cadmium (II) ions from aqueous solution. Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology—AQUA, 67(1), 68-83. https://doi.org/10.2166/aqua.2017.026
Sinyeue, C., Garioud, T., Lemestre, M., Meyer, M., Brégier, F., Chaleix, V., ... & Lebouvier, N. (2022). Biosorption of nickel ions Ni2+ by natural and modified Pinus caribaea morelet sawdust. Heliyon, 8(2). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e08842
Srivastava, P. & Hasan, S. H. (2011). Biomass of mucor heimalis for the biosorption of cadmium from aqueous solutions: equilibrium and kinetic studies. BioResources, 6(4).
Torab-Mostaedi, M., Asadollahzadeh, M., Hemmati, A. & Khosravi, A. (2013). Equilibrium, kinetic, and thermodynamic studies for biosorption of cadmium and nickel on grapefruit peel. Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers, 44(2), 295-302. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtice.2012.11.001
Wassel, M. A., Shehata, H. A.,Youssef, H.F., Ahmed, S.E. & Fahmy, A., (2016). Nickel ions adsorption by prepared zeolite-A: Examination of process parameters, kinetics and isotherms.International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, 3(7), 422-429.
Xiang, H., Yang, Z., Liu, X., Lu, F., Zhao, F. & Chai, L. (2025). Advancements in functional adsorbents for sustainable recovery of rare earth elements from wastewater: A comprehensive review of performance, mechanisms, and applications. Advances in Colloid and Interface Science, 103403.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cis.2025.103403
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Green approach for Ni (II) ion sequestration from aqueous solution using Phyllanthus emblica seed coat. (2026). Journal of Applied and Natural Science, 18(1), 80-88. https://doi.org/10.31018/jans.v18i1.7127
