Abstract
Biosorption and water treatment of Mg(II) and Ca(II) hardness was designed via surface loading of heat inactivated Fusarium verticillioides fungus (Fus) on nano-silica (NSi) for developing the (NSi-Fus) as a novel biosorbent. Surface characterization was confirmed by FT-IR and SEM analysis. The (NSi), (Fus) and (NSi-Fus) sorbents were investigated for removal of Mg(II) and Ca(II) by using the batch equilibrium technique under the influence of solution pH, contact time, sorbent dosage, initial metal concentration and interfering ion. The maximum magnesium capacity values were identified as 600.0, 933.3 and 1000.0 mu mole g(-1) while, the maximum calcium values were 1066.7, 1800.0 and 13333 mu mole g(-1) for (NSi), (Fus) and (NSi-Fus), respectively. Sorption equilibria were established in similar to 20 min and the data were well described by both Langmuir and Freundlich models. The potential applications of these biosorbents for water-softening and extraction of magnesium and calcium from sea water samples were successfully accomplished. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.