The present study explores the ability of Rhodococcus opacus bacteria strain for the removal of nickel(II) under different experimental conditions. The effects of relevant parameters such as solution pH, biomass loading, ionic strength, and temperature on nickel(II) biosorption capacity were evaluated. Although the tests were carried out using synthetic solutions, the results are representative of typical waste effluents from chemical, dyestuffs, battery manufacture, porcelain enameling, metallurgical industries and electroplating circuits. The sorption data followed the Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Dubinin-Radushkevich, and Sips isotherms. The maximum sorption capacity was found to be 7.63 mg g(-1) at pH 5. Thermodynamic parameters have also been evaluated and the results show that the sorption process was spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The dynamics of the sorption process were studied and the values of rate constants for different kinetic models were calculated. The activation energy of biosorption (E(a)) was determined as 12.56 kJ mol(-1) using the Arrhenius equation. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.