Equilibrium and kinetic studies of cadmium(II) and lead(II) ions biosorption onto Ficus carcia leaves

Background Ficus carcia leaves (fig leaves) for the removal of cadmium(II) and lead(II) ions from aqueous solutions have been investigated. Results The biosorption of cadmium(II) and lead(II) ions was found to be dependent on the solution pH, initial metal ion concentrations, biosorbent dose, contact time, and temperature. The experimental equilibrium biosorption data were analyzed by two widely used two parameters, Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. Conclusions Langmuir isotherm model provided a better fit with the experimental data than Freundlich model by high correlation coefficients R 2 . Kinetic studies showed that pseudo-second-order described the biosorption experimental data better than the pseudo-first-order kinetic model.