A note on the binding of nickel and copper ions by cellulosic materials

Abstract

Cellulosic materials of tropical origin — bambara nuts ( Voandzeia subterranea) and rice husks ( Oryza sativa) — were treated with copper and nickel ions and the adsorption behaviour studied. The amount of metal ion removed from solution depended on the metallic ion-substrate contact time, the ion concentration and ion type. The amount of adsorption of these divalent ions varied with the cellulosic material. The cellulosic materials could bind substantial amounts of nickel and copper ions, and the amount of metal ion adsorbed per gram of the cellulose substrate increased with increase in initial ion concentration.