Interaction Of Heavy Metals Research Articles

Effect of Feeding Mice Soluble Metals and Heavy Metal Contaminated Soil on Feces Metal Concentrations.

The effect of heavy metal availability and interaction in feed on feces heavy metal excretion in mice has rarely been investigated. In this work, feed containing a polluted soil (total Cd = 6.34, total Pb = 387mgkg-1) amended with phosphate, bentonite and lime, or feed spiked with soluble Pb and Cd were fed to mice for 10days. Feces were collected on Day 2 and Day 10 and analyzed for Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn concentrations. Results indicated that Day 10 samples had 10% greater heavy metal concentrations in some treatments than Day 2. For the Pb and Cd spiked treatments, significant positive correlations were found between Pb and Cd rates and feces Pb and Cd concentrations on both dates. Significantly greater feces Pb and Cd concentrations were found in Day 10 samples than in Day 2 samples. Significant correlations were also found between feed Pb and Cd spiking rates and feces Cu, Mn, Ni and Zn concentrations, indicating mouse metal absorption dynamics and metal interactions. Although the phosphate and lime amended soils had lower DTPA-Pb and Cd than the unamended soil (6.2-17.9%, p < 0.05), no significant difference was found for feces Pb and Cd concentrations between treatments. A marginally negative correlation (p = 0.073) between soil DTPA-Zn and feces Zn concentration for Day 2 samples implied the soil amendment only affected mice absorption of Zn. Overall results imply that mice feces heavy metal concentrations can be used to indicate heavy metal absorption from feed and metal interactions in mice.

Combined pollution of soil by heavy metals, microplastics, and pesticides: Mechanisms and anthropogenic drivers.

Soil is the foundation of terrestrial ecosystems and a critical resource for agricultural activities. This study investigated internal mechanism and interaction of heavy metals, pesticides (atrazine, pyrimazole and chlorpyrifos) and microplastics in soil. Specifically, certain sampling points exhibited elevated levels of individual heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Zn), exceeding the screening values, while both microplastics and pesticides demonstrated high variability, increasing the potential ecological risks. The interaction between microplastics, heavy metals, and pesticides is complex, involving electrostatic adsorption, surface complexation, biofilm mediation, and physical absorption. From a broader perspective, both heavy metals and microplastics were found to exacerbate the ecological risks posed by pesticides. Further, structural equation model and geographical weighted regression were used to reveal the driving mechanism behind complex pollution, with economic development emerging as a significant factor influencing pollution levels. These findings enhance our understanding of the combined pollution of heavy metals, microplastics, and pesticides.

The interaction of microplastic and heavy metal in bioretention cell: Contributions of water-soil-plant system

The effectiveness of bioretention cells for heavy metals (HMs) and microplastics (MPs) removal from stormwater runoff has been demonstrated. Knowledge of the mechanisms that dictate the interactions between MPs and HMs would be helpful in pollution control. In this study, the performances of different water-soil-plant bioretention cells for HMs removal through the interception of polyethylene MPs (PE-MPs) were investigated. The results showed that PE-MPs bound to HMs and preferentially tended to bind to Pb (32%–44%) in the complex HMs (Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb). This could be the reason that the concentration of Pb significantly increased in the effluent under low-intensity simulated rainfall events over a long duration. The accumulation of 1.49 g/kg PE-MPs caused a significant soil pH value decrease and a notable soil zeta potential increase in the bioretention cell, while the low sand/silt ratio media buffered this process. The retention of PE-MPs increased 138.5% in the 0–10 cm soil surface layer when the sand/silt ratio reduced from 2:1 to 1:1 and planted with Canna indica. Meanwhile, PE-MPs amplified the instability of Zn removal in bioretention cells under low-intensity rainfall events in long-duration, high silt percentage substrate and vegetation coverage. The study would contribute to developing a long-term management program for PE-MPs and HMs trapped in bioretention cells to reduce the risk of pollution transport.

Anthropogenic activities affect the diverse autotrophic communities of coastal sediments

Coastal sediments are a critical domain for carbon sequestration and are profoundly impacted by human activities. Therefore, it is essential to understand the structure and components of benthic autotrophs that play a crucial role in carbon sequestration processes, as well as the influence of anthropogenic activities on their communities. This study utilized an urban estuary, an industrial sea bay, a maricultural sea region, and two mangrove coastlines within the coastal areas of Guangdong Province, China. The micro-benthos in these environments, including prokaryotes and eukaryotes, were identified through high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA genes. The findings show that the autotrophic composition was altered by the interactions of anthropogenic heavy metals (Cd and Zn) and micro-eukaryotes (protazoa, metazoa, and parasitic organisms). Industrial pollution reduced the abundance of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic autotrophs. Mangroves induced a substantial transformation in the sediment eukaryotic and prokaryotic composition, increasing the proportion of autotrophs, notably sulfur-oxidizing and iron-oxidizing bacteria and microalgae. This alteration suggests an increase in specific sulfur and iron cycling with simultaneous carbon sequestration within mangrove sediments. These results indicate that anthropogenic activities affect sediment carbon sequestration by altering autotrophic assemblages along coastlines, thereby inducing consequential shifts in overall elemental cycling processes.

Investigating the interaction of uranium(VI) with diatoms and their bacterial community: A microscopic and spectroscopic study

Diatoms and bacteria play a vital role in investigating the ecological effects of heavy metals in the environment. Despite separate studies on metal interactions with diatoms and bacteria, there is a significant gap in research regarding heavy metal interactions within a diatom-bacterium system, which closely mirrors natural conditions. In this study, we aim to address this gap by examining the interaction of uranium(VI) (U(VI)) with Achnanthidium saprophilum freshwater diatoms and their natural bacterial community, primarily consisting of four successfully isolated bacterial strains (Acidovorax facilis, Agrobacterium fabrum, Brevundimonas mediterranea, and Pseudomonas peli) from the diatom culture. Uranium (U) bio-association experiments were performed both on the xenic A. saprophilum culture and on the four bacterial isolates. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy coupled with spectrum imaging analysis based on energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed a clear co-localization of U and phosphorus both on the surface and inside A. saprophilum diatoms and the associated bacterial cells. Time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy with parallel factor analysis identified similar U(VI) binding motifs both on A. saprophilum diatoms and the four bacterial isolates. This is the first work providing valuable microscopic and spectroscopic data on U localization and speciation within a diatom-bacterium system, demonstrating the contribution of the co-occurring bacteria to the overall interaction with U, a factor non-negligible for future modeling and assessment of radiological effects on living microorganisms.

Dynamic interaction of heavy metals and mineralogical shifts in stream sediments exposed to MSW landfill leachate in a semi-arid basaltic terrain

Investigating concentrations and spatial patterns of physicochemical parameters in landfill leachate and their profound impacts on stream sediments is an important issue for environmental sustainability. Therefore, the present study showed that the specifics landfill leachate and its interactions with stream sediments within the unique geological context of semi-arid basaltic terrain of the Deccan Volcanic Province in Pune, India. Employing advanced geo-accumulation indices and crystal phase differentiation methods, the study unveils the intricate metamorphosis of heavy metals and mineralogical composition, tracing the transformative journey from leachate to sediments. Noteworthy revelations emerge, particularly in the striking associations between heavy metals and the mineralogical composition, which encompasses primary and secondary minerals (calcite, quartz, and Fe–Mg oxides). These findings underscore the acceleration of weathering processes within this distinctive geological milieu. The 'geo-accumulation index' exhibits pronounced elevations in proximity to the landfill site, with persistence downstream, reliant upon the evolving weathering and accumulation dynamics. The lower reaches of the study area have higher concentrations of various heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Co, Hg, As, and Cd). These heavy metals are primarily sequestered within silt-dominated sediments conquered by augite, olivine and plagioclase minerals. Present research reveals the complex interplay between heavy metals in leachate and their physical and chemical interactions with sedimentary materials. These gradational shifts in mineralogy and geochemistry serve as compelling evidence of the transformative impact of leachate discharge within the distinctive basaltic geological framework. This study offers valuable insights into the complex environmental processes occurring at the intersection of landfill leachate and natural geological formations, enhancing the understanding of the dynamic geochemical interactions that shape this semi-arid basaltic terrain.

Optimal growth conditions and heavy metal removal of Coelastrella sp. CORE-3 isolated from wastewater

This study was investigated to optimize growth conditions of native microalgae (Coelastrella sp. CORE-3) from wastewater, evaluate the removal of Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+ and Ni2+ and compare both isolated microalgae and Ankistrodesmus bibraianus, and describe their sorption mechanisms on the cell surface. The effects of the pH, light: dark cycle and temperature on the growth of the isolated Coelastrella sp. CORE-3 was optimized. The optimal L:D cycle, temperature, and pH conditions were 14:10 hr, 25℃, pH 7. The growth of isolated microalgae, Coelastrella sp. CORE-3. was compared with A. bibraianus. The removal efficiency of heavy metals by Coelastrella sp. CORE-3 and A. bibraianus were found as follows, respectively: (live cell) Zn2+ > Cd2+ > Cu2+ > Ni2+, (dead cell) Cu2+ > Cd2+ > Zn2+ > Ni2+. SEM analysis indicated that more cell surface deformation occurred in A. bibraianus compared to Coelastrella sp. after exposure to heavy metals. This result suggests that Coelastrella sp. CORE-3 has more resistant to heavy metal toxicity. In addition, based on the FT-IR analysis, the live cells of Coelastrella sp. CORE-3 and A. bibraianus showed the interactions of heavy metals with the functional groups: alcohol, alkane, amide, amine on their cell surfaces.

The critical role of organic matter for cadmium-lead interactions in soil: Mechanisms and risks

Understanding the interaction mechanisms between complex heavy metals and soil components is a prerequisite for effectively forecasting the mobility and availability of contaminants in soils. Soil organic matter (SOM), with its diverse functional groups, has long been a focal point of research interest. In this study, four soils with manipulated levels of SOM, cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) were subjected to a 90-day incubation experiment. The competitive interactions between Cd and Pb in soils were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray adsorption near-edge structure (XANES) analysis. Our results indicate that Pb competed with Cd for adsorption sites on the surface of SOM, particularly on carboxyl and hydroxyl functional groups. Approximately 22.6 % of Cd adsorption sites on humus were occupied by Pb. The use of sequentially extracted exchangeable heavy metals as indicators for environment risk assessments, considering variations in soil physico-chemical properties and synergistic or antagonistic effects between contaminants, provides a better estimation of metal bioavailability and its potential impacts. Integrating comprehensive contamination characterization of heavy metal interactions with the soil organic phase is an important advancement to assess the environmental risks of heavy metal dynamics in soil compared to individual contamination assessments.

Heavy Metal Interactions with Neuroglia and Gut Microbiota: Implications for Huntington's Disease.

Huntington's disease (HD) is a rare but progressive and devastating neurodegenerative disease characterized by involuntary movements, cognitive decline, executive dysfunction, and neuropsychiatric conditions such as anxiety and depression. It follows an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Thus, a child who has a parent with the mutated huntingtin (mHTT) gene has a 50% chance of developing the disease. Since the HTT protein is involved in many critical cellular processes, including neurogenesis, brain development, energy metabolism, transcriptional regulation, synaptic activity, vesicle trafficking, cell signaling, and autophagy, its aberrant aggregates lead to the disruption of numerous cellular pathways and neurodegeneration. Essential heavy metals are vital at low concentrations; however, at higher concentrations, they can exacerbate HD by disrupting glial-neuronal communication and/or causing dysbiosis (disturbance in the gut microbiota, GM), both of which can lead to neuroinflammation and further neurodegeneration. Here, we discuss in detail the interactions of iron, manganese, and copper with glial-neuron communication and GM and indicate how this knowledge may pave the way for the development of a new generation of disease-modifying therapies in HD.

Effect of Common Ions in Agricultural Additives on the Retention of Cd, Cu, and Cr in Farmland Soils

The anions and cations in agricultural additives have crucial impacts on the retention of toxic heavy metals (HMs) in soil. However, the influence of these ions on the adsorption and desorption of Cd, Cr, and Cu in soil has not been clarified in previous studies. This study investigated the adsorption behavior of HMs, common anions, and dissolved organic matter (DOM) in alkaline soil from farmland under different experimental conditions. Nitrates, sulfates, and chlorides were used as HM sources to investigate the effects of different experimental anion environments on batch adsorption experiments and fluorescence quenching titration experiments. Batch sorption experiments showed that the sorption of Cd2+ was inhibited by the concomitant presence of Cr3+ and Cu2+, and the presence of Cl− and SO42− inhibited the binding of HMs to the soil matrix compared to NO3−. The fluorescence quenching titration with HMs suggested that SO42− significantly enhances the binding ability of Cr3+ to DOM in solution, which may be the reason SO42− inhibited Cr3+ retention in soil. These results provide detailed insights into the interactions of HMs with DOM and anions, which is of great significance for the targeted application of pesticides and HMs’ transport and removal in farmland soils.

Co-contamination and interactions of multiple mycotoxins and heavy metals in rice, maize, soybeans, and wheat flour marketed in Shanghai City

Mycotoxins and heavy metals extensively contaminate grains and grain products, posing severe health risks. This work implements validated ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) methods to quantify the concentration of 12 mycotoxins and five heavy metals in rice, maize, soybeans, and wheat flour samples marketed in Shanghai. The mixed contamination characteristics were analyzed using correlation cluster analysis and co-contamination index, and the probabilities of all cross combinations of contaminations were analyzed using a self-designed JAVA language program. The results showed that grains and grain products were frequently contaminated with both mycotoxins and heavy metals, mostly with deoxynivalenol (DON), 3-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (3-ADON), 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (15-ADON), ochratoxin A (OTA), aflatoxins, fumonisin B1 (FB1), fumonisin B2 (FB2), fumonisin B3 (FB3), arsenic (As), chromium (Cr) and cadmium (Cd). All the samples (100 %) were contaminated with two or more contaminants, and 77.3 % of the samples were co-contaminated with more than four contaminants. In cereals and cereal products, the following combinations were closely associated: (FB3 +3-ADON), (FB1 +As), (FB1 +FB2), (DON+FB1), (DON+Cd), (As+Cd), (DON+Cd+As), (FB1 +FB2 +As), and (DON+3-ADON+15-ADON). The results indicated that mycotoxins and heavy metals frequently co-occurred in Shanghai grains and grain products, and they provided primary data for safety assessments, early warnings, and regulatory measures on these contaminants to protect public health.

Selection of pollution-safe head cabbage: Interaction of multiple heavy metals in soil on bioaccumulation and transfer

Screening for pollution-safe cultivars (PSCs) is a cost-effective strategy for reducing health risks of crops in heavy metal (HM)-contaminated soils. In this study, 13 head cabbages were grown in multi-HMs contaminated soil, and their accumulation characteristics, interaction of HM types, and health risks assessment using Monte Carlo simulation were examined. Results showed that the edible part of head cabbage is susceptible to HM contamination, with 84.62% of varieties polluted. The average bio-concentration ability of HMs in head cabbage was Cd> > Hg > Cr > As>Pb. Among five HMs, Cd and As contributed more to potential health risks (accounting for 20.8%–48.5%). Significant positive correlations were observed between HM accumulation and co-occurring HMs in soil. Genotypic variations in HM accumulation suggested the potential for reducing health risks through crop screening. G7 is a recommended variety for head cabbage cultivation in areas with multiple HM contamination, while G3 could serve as a suitable alternative for heavily Hg-contaminated soils.

Exploring the combined effect of heavy metals on accumulation efficiency of Salix alba raised on lead and cadmium contaminated soils

The present study illustrated that Salix alba can accumulate high level of Pb and Cd in different plant parts, with maximum accumulation in roots followed by stem and leaves in the order Cd > Pb > Cd + Pb. The phytoremediation evaluation factors such as bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) was higher for Cd over Pb in all plant parts, further the BCF for both Pb and Cd was maximum in root (BCF > 1) followed by stem and leaves. Higher accumulation of Cd over the Pb was observed inside the plant tissues due to Cd mimics with other elements and gets transported through respective transporters. The combined treatment of Pb and Cd affected the bioaccumulation at every treatment level suggesting the negative effect among both elements. Higher survival rate (>85%) was recorded up to 200mgPb/kg and 15mgCd/kg, while further increase in metal concentration reduced the plant efficiency to remediate contaminated soils, hence results in declined survival rate. The FTIR analysis revealed that Pb and Cd accumulation in plants induced changes in carboxy, amino, hydroxyl and phosphate groups that ultimately caused alteration in physiological and biochemical processes of plant and thus provided an insight to the interaction, binding and accumulation of heavy metals.

Adsorption behavior of lead, cadmium, and arsenic on manganese-modified biochar: competition and promotion.

Biochar adsorption of heavy metals has been a research hotspot, yet there has been limited reports on the effect of heavy metal interactions on adsorption efficiency in complex systems. In this study, the adsorbent was prepared by pyrolysis of rice straw loaded with manganese (BC-Mn). The interactions of Pb, Cd and As adsorption on BC-Mn were systematically studied. The results of the adsorption isotherms for the binary metal system revealed a competitive adsorption between Pb and Cd, resulting in decreased Pb (from 214.38mg/g to 148.20mg/g) and Cd (from 165.73mg/g to 92.11mg/g). A notable promotion occurred between As and Cd, showing an increase from 234.93mg/g to 305.00mg/g for As and 165.73mg/g to 313.94mg/g for Cd. In the ternary metal system, Pb inhibition did not counteract the promotion of Cd and As. Furthermore, the Langmuir isotherm effectively described BC-Mn's adsorption process in monometallic, binary, and ternary metal systems (R2 > 0.9294). Zeta and FTIR analyses revealed simultaneous competition between Pb and Cd for adsorption on BC-Mn's -OH sites. XPS analysis revealed that As adsorption by BC-Mn facilitated the conversion of MnO2 and MnO to MnOOH, resulting in increased hydroxyl radical production on BC-Mn's surface. Simultaneously, Cd combined with the adsorbed As to form ternary Cd-As-Mn complexes, which expedited the removal of Cd. These results help to provide theoretical support as well as technical support for the treatment of Pb-Cd-As contaminated wastewater.

Spectra metrology for interaction of heavy metals with extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa OMCS-1 reveals static quenching and complexation dynamics of EPS with heavy metals

The adsorption behavior and interaction mechanisms of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa OMCS-1 towards chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) were investigated. EPS-covered (EPS-C) cells exhibited significantly higher (p < 0.0001; two-way ANOVA) removal of Cr (85.58 ± 0.39%), Pb (81.98 ± 1.02%), and Cd (73.88 ± 1%) than EPS-removed (EPS-R) cells. Interactions between EPS-heavy metals were spontaneous (ΔG<0). EPS-Cr(VI) and EPS-Pb(II) binding were exothermic (ΔH<0), while EPS-Cd(II) binding was endothermic (ΔH>0) process. EPS bonded to Pb(II) via inner-sphere complexation by displacement of surrounding water molecules, while EPS-Cr(VI) and EPS-Cd(II) binding occurred through outer-sphere complexation via electrostatic interactions. Increased zeta potential of Cr (29.75%), Pb (41.46%), and Cd (46.83%) treated EPS and unchanged crystallinity (CIXRD=0.13), inferred EPS-metal binding via both electrostatic interactions and complexation mechanism. EPS-metal interaction was predominantly promoted through hydroxyl, amide, carboxyl, and phosphate groups. Metal adsorption deviated EPS protein secondary structures. Strong static quenching mechanism between tryptophan protein-like substances in EPS and heavy metals was evidenced. EPS sequestered heavy metals via complexation with C-O, C-OH, CO/O-C-O, and NH/NH2 groups and ion exchange with –COOH group. This study unveils the fate of Cr, Pb, and Cd on EPS surface and provides insight into the interactions among EPS and metal ions for metal sequestration.

Machine learning insights in predicting heavy metals interaction with biochar

The use of machine learning (ML) in the field of predicting heavy metals interaction with biochar is a promising field of research, mainly because of the growing understanding of how removal efficiency is affected by characteristic variables, reaction conditions and biochar properties. The practical application in biochar still faces large challenges, such as difficulties in data collection, inadequate algorithm development, and insufficient information. However, the quantity, quality, and representation of data have a large impact on the accuracy, efficiency, and generalizability of machine learning tasks. From this perspective, the present data descriptors, the efficiency of machine learning-aided property and performance prediction, the interpretation of underlying mechanisms and complicated relationships, and some potential ways to augment the data are discussed regarding the interactions of heavy metals with biochar. Finally, future perspectives and challenges are discussed, and an enhanced model performance is proposed to reinforce the feasibility of a particular perspective.Graphical

Proteins denaturation upon interaction of heavy metals and cosolvent glycerol assisted refolding: in-vitro study with human serum albumin.

Human blood serum protein albumin (HSA) is well studied protein owing its importance being a carrier molecule for endogenous molecules, toxins, xenobiotics and other small ligands like metal ions.

Interaction of Heavy Metals with Plastic Contaminated Soil

Microplastic (MP) contamination is a threat to soil and groundwater system. Disintegration of used plastic products under exposure to solar radiations, application of sewage sludge to the soil, plastic mulching in agricultural activities leads to the formation of microplastics in significant amounts in soil. Hence there is a need from the geo environment engineering perspective on microplastic contamination in soils. Landfills and industrial areas have microplastic pollution in abundance. The presence of microplastic may alter the behaviour of liner material and surface soil in terms of heavy metal retention capacity, shrinkage, permeability and various other properties. In the present study, the soil is artificially polluted with shredded polypropylene (Pp) fragments from single use facial mask which is extensively being used in post COVID-19 situation. Heavy metals such as Lead, Nickel, Copper and Zinc at different concentrations similar to an industrially polluted soil is applied to the plastic contaminated (Pc) and normal soil. The filtrates from the test batches are studied for Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and concentration of heavy metals using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES). The obtained results concluded that plastic pollution significantly varied leached out heavy metals concentration to a maximum of 4.9 times that of normal soil. The TDS of the filtrate collected from plastic polluted soil varied by 31.29%.

Assessment of iron and heavy metals accumulation in the soils of the combat zone

The object of the study is soils in areas with active military operations. The study is dedicated to assessing the environmental impact of military operations through forecasting. The paper highlights the impact of military conflict on the distribution of heavy metals in soils. An analysis of the distribution and interaction of heavy metals in soil is carried out, which helps to understand the dynamics of pollution in the context of military conflict, and allows to understand the complex processes of the impact of military operations on the environment and the state of soil resources. The complex interrelationships between military operations and environmental pollution are revealed, with an emphasis on the importance of studying the distribution and immobilization of iron and heavy metals in the current conditions of the risk of military operations. It is shown that the most rapidly distributed metals in the soil are: iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), antimony (Sb); the slowest: arsenic (As), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), vanadium (V). It was found that loams and chernozems are more prone to the accumulation of heavy metals and iron than sandy soils. Compared to sandy soil, the rate of metal release in loam decreases from 16.7 % to 69.7 %. In comparison of chernozem to loam, the release rate slows down from 17.85 % to 32.08 %. It was found that the rate of spreading of barium, cobalt, arsenic, lead, mercury, manganese, strontium and titanium does not depend on the type and mechanical parameters of the soil. The practical use of the results will help to predict the mechanism of pollution spread and help to identify the highest risk areas. The results of the study indicate the need to develop scientifically sound strategies for environmental protection and promotion of sustainable development in the area affected by military events

Enhancing the efficiency of Ni(II), Cd(II), and Cu(II) adsorption from aqueous solution using schist/alginate composite: batch and continuous studies.

The main aim of this research is focused on the synthesis of schist/alginate composite (SC/AL) adsorbent and its utilization for the removal of Ni(II), Cu(II), and Cd(II) from waste streams using batch and column processes. The characterization of developed adsorbent was performed by X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, FTIR, and BET analyses. The most influential operating parameters (pH, contact time, temperature and initial adsorbate concentration) on the adsorption capacity of pollutants were examined to evaluate the performance of developed adsorbent. The kinetic and equilibrium adsorption results at pH 5.0 indicated that SC/AL composite had good adsorption capacity (qmax) for Ni(II), Cu(II), and Cd(II) estimated at 124.79 mg/g, 111.78 mg/g, and 119.78 mg/g, respectively. From the kinetic viewpoint, the good fit of pseudo-first-order kinetic model to the kinetic adsorption data indicated that dominant interaction of heavy metals with SC/AL composite was physisorption. The results of thermodynamic studies indicated that the adsorption of heavy metals onto SC/AL composite was endothermic and spontaneous in nature. The adsorption capacity of developed adsorbent could still reach relatively 85% of the original one after completing fifth cycle. Therefore, the reusability results of SC/AL composite were quite satisfied, making the developed adsorbent a commercially attractive and green method. Finally, in column studies, the effect of initial concentration of pollutants at pH 5.0 on the removal of heavy metal ions was investigated. The Thomas and Yoon-Nelson models provided a satisfactory explanation for the results of column data.