The application of biosorbents as an eco-friendly strategy to address heavy metal accumulation in aqueous systems is of significant interest. This study investigates the efficacy of exopolysaccharide (EPS) derived from the marine bacterial strain Vibrio alginolyticus ATCC 17749 as a biosorbent for removing heavy metals. The research evaluates the sorption efficiency of cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni) by EPS, focusing on the effects of pH levels (3.5, 5.5, and 6.5) and biosorbent concentrations (65-300 mg/L) on the maximum sorption time. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) analysis revealed a disruptive effect on EPS after Cd sorption, attributed to the bonding mechanism. Atomic absorption spectroscopy measured cation concentrations post-sorption, showing over 80% removal efficiency for Cd and 50% for Ni. The sorption mechanism involves functional groups on the surface of bioadsorbent, facilitating the formation of EPS-heavy metal complexes and metal deposition. These findings highlight the potential of utilizing EPS of Vibrio species as an effective biosorbent for heavy metal removal, offering a sustainable approach to water bioremediation.

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