Protocols were developed for the immobilisation of Rhizopus arrhizus biomass using al&ate, polyacrylamide, epoxy resin and polyvinylformal materials and the resulting biosorbents were tested for the removal of cadmium from solution. Polyvinyl formal immobilisation produced the optimal biosorbent with cell loadings of up to 80% and metal adsorption capacities of 84% of that of free biomass.
Oxygen consumption of Rhizopus arrhizus cultures was studied in order to understand why anaerobic-type metabolism takes place during growth, with high lactic acid synthesis. Rather than insufficient oxygen supply, pellet-type morphology was found to be responsible. Cultures with carriers and on thin liquid films were investigated with very good results for the second method. Not only was biomass production improved, but also carbon consumption was higher and lactic acid synthesis less compared with traditional submerged flask cultures.
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