Significance of Indian peat moss for the removal of Ni(II) ions from aqueous solution

The aim of this study was to assess the potential of Indian Sphagnum peat moss, a widespread terrestrial bryophyte, for the uptake of Ni(II) ions from aqueous solution. Experiments were carried out as a function of contact time, pH, adsorbent dosage, and initial concentration of Ni(II). Batch experiment results showed that peat moss removed 99.5 % of Ni(II) from aqueous solution at pH 6. Freundlich model showed satisfactory fit to the equilibrium adsorption data of Sphagnum peat moss. The adsorption kinetics followed pseudo-second-order kinetic model, which demonstrates that chemisorption may be the rate controlling step in the adsorption of Ni(II) onto the Sphagnum peat moss. The interactions between the peat moss and Ni(II) were further studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.