Biosorption of nickel (II) and zinc (II) from aqueous solutions by the biomass of yeast Yarrowia lipolytica

This study examined the biosorption process of Ni(II) and Zn(II) from an aqueous solution by dead biomass of Yarrowia lipolytica. Optimum biosorption conditions were determined as a function of pH, biomass dosage, contact time, and temperature. The biosorbent was characterized by FTIR, which indicated the participation of hydroxyl, carboxyl, amide and amine groups in the process of binding the metal ions. The results showed that the biosorption processes of both metal ions closely followed pseudo-second order kinetics. The equilibrium data of Ni(II) and Zn(II) ions at 20, 30 and 40°C fitted the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. Langmuir isotherm provided a better fit to the equilibrium data, with a maximum biosorption capacity of the Y. lipolytica biomass for Ni(II) and Zn(II) of 30.12 and 44.44 mg/g respectively. The calculated thermodynamic parameters demonstrated that the biosorption of Ni(II) and Zn(II) ions onto the Y. lipolytica was feasible, spontaneous and endothermic.