The batch adsorption of Ni(II) onto sphagnum moss peat has been studied. The reaction was pH dependent, the optimum range being 4.0-7.0. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, established for various initial nickel concentrations and for a range ofpH values, were used to obtain a single relationship between initial metal concentration, metal removal, and initial pH. The latter was found to control efficiency of nickel removal. Kinetic data suggested involvement of a chemical rate-limiting step, and a predictive relationship was derived relating nickel removal to peat dose. !n comparison with other metals, nickel removal is poor, and possible reasons are discussed.
