Co-based metal-organic frameworks for enhanced nickel adsorption and its impact on nitrifying microbial activity

The release of nickel “Ni(II)” into aquatic environments is of great concern because of environmental and health issues. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are one of the most promising technologies for removing heavy metals from water. In this work, an octahedral Co-based MOF (Co-MOF) was synthesized with a high Ni(II) removal capacity (q_max of 1534.09 ± 45.49 mg g⁻¹) in aqueous media. For the first time, the effect of Co-MOF alone and in co-exposure with Ni(II) on nitrifying microbial consortium was assessed using dynamic microrespirometry. A single concentration of Co-MOF had no significant effects on nitrifying microbial consortium, while the concentration of Ni(II) exerted non-competitive inhibition on the nitrifying microbial consortium with an IC₅₀ of 1.67 ± 0.03 mg L⁻¹. In addition, the theoretical speciation analysis showed a decrease of 40% of IC₅₀ when the free Ni(II) concentration was considered. Co-exposure of Co-MOF and Ni(II) during the nitrifying process allowed us to conclude that Co-MOF is an effective adsorbent for Ni(II) and can be used to mitigate the inhibitory effects of nickel on nitrifying microbial consortia, which is crucial for maintaining the good operation of wastewater treatment and balance of nitrogen cycle.