International Academy of Ecology and Environmental Sciences Proceedings of the International Academy of Ecology and Environmental Sciences 2220-8860 6 4 2016 12 1 Removal of metal ions from aqueous solutions using thermally activated biosorbent: Column study 119-127 EN Ashutosh Mishra Brahma Dutt Tripathi http://www.iaees.org/publications/journals/piaees/articles/2016-6(4)/removal-of-metal-ions-from-aqueous-solutions.pdf> Biosorption potential of thermally activated biosorbent prepared from Hydrilla verticillata biomass was investigated for the removal of Cu++, Zn++, Cd++ and Pb++ ions using a packed-bed column. Bed height (15-25 cm), flow rate (10-30 mL min-1) and influent metal concentrations (5-25 mg L-1) were variable parameters for the column study. Results revealed that highest bed height (25 cm), lowest flow rate (10 mL min-1) and lowest influent metal concentration (5 mg L-1) were favorable for column biosorption. The maximum biosorption capacity for Cu++, Zn++, Cd++ and Pb++ removal were observed to be 174.14, 184.36, 176.55 and 179.14 mg g-1 respectively. The breakthrough curves obtained from column process were successfully correlated with Bed Depth Service Time (BDST) and Thomas models. Regeneration studies revealed good reusability of activated biosorbent during three cycles of sorption and desorption studied.