Biosorption of Lead(II) and Zinc(II) from Aqueous Solutions by Nordmann Fir (Abies nordmanniana (Stev.) Spach. subsp. nordmanniana) Cones

In the present study we reported the feasibility of cone biomass Nordmann fir (Abies nordmanniana (Stev.) Spach. subsp. nordmanniana) as an alternative biosorbent to remove Pb(II) and Zn(II) metal ions from aqueous solutions. The effects of pH, initial metal concentration, biosorbent dosage and contact time were studied in batch experiments. It was found that the optimum pH for Pb(II) and Zn(II) ions removal by cone biomass was pH 6.0. At the optimal conditions metal ions biosorption was decreased as the initial metal concentration increased. The maximum biosorption efficiency of Nordmann fir was 82% and 56.2% at 5 mg/L initial metal concentration for Pb(II) and Zn(II), respectively. The experimental equilibrium data were evaluated by Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models.