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Biosorption is becoming an important component in the integrated approach to the treatment of aqueous ef¯uents. The economics of biomass technical applications are improved by using waste biomass instead of purposelyproduced biomass. Biomass derived from an alginate ex-

Biosorption of heavy metals by gram-positive, non-pathogenic and non-toxicogenic Paenibacillus polymyxa P13 was evaluated. Copper was chosen as a model element because it is a pollutant originated from several industries. An EPS (exopolysaccharide)-producing phenotype exhibited significant Cu(II) biosorption capacity. Under optimal assay conditions (pH 6 and 25°C), the adsorption isotherm for Cu(II) in aqueous solutions obeyed the Langmuir model. A high q value (biosorption capacity) was observed with whole cells (q max =112 mgCu g )1 ). EPS production was associated with hyperosmotic stress by high salt (1 M NaCl), which led to a significant increase in the biosorption capacity of whole cells (q max =150 mgCu g )1 ). Biosorption capacity for Cu(II) of the purified EPS was investigated. The maximum biosorption value (q) of 1602 mg g )1 observed with purified EPS at 0.1 mg ml )1 was particularly promising for use in field applications.

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