Advances in the biosorption of heavy metals

Abstract

SUMMARYBiosorption of heavy metals by various types of non-living (microbial) biomass appears as a very cost-effective new alternative for decontamination of metal bearing effluents. The understanding of metal biosorption mechanisms has progressed to the point where the process is being readied for scale up and field applications. Packed bed sorption columns is perhaps the most efficient equipment for this purpose. Process engineering aspects are examined for successful application of newly discovered biosorption materials which serve as natural and very efficient ion exchangers. Easy regeneration of biosorbents increases the process economy making it possible to reuse them in multiple sorption cycles. Optimization of the sorption/desorption cycles results in metal-free effluents and small volumes of highly concentrated metal desorbing solutions facilitating a conventional follow-up metal recovery.

Biosorption of lead(II), zinc(II) and nickel(II) from industrial wastewater by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Bacillus subtilis

“…Therefore, it is so signifi cant to fi nd a cost effective and environment--friendly method of removing toxic heavy metals down to a level considered environmentally safe 4,10 . One of the most promising technologies involved in the removal of toxic metals from industrial waste streams is biosorption, based on the ability of many algae, fungi, yeasts and bacteria to concentrate heavy metals from aquatic environments 8, 11,12 . It offers the advantages of low operating costs, the possibility of metal recovery, regeneration of the biosorbent, minimization of the volume of chemical and/or biological sludge to be disposed of, and high effi ciency in detoxifying very dilute effl uents…”

Microbes as Potential Tool for Remediation of Heavy Metals: A Review

“…Not like many other pollutants, heavy metals are hard to remove from the environment [30]. Heavy metals are the potent inhibitors of biodegradation events [31]. These metals cannot be degraded, and are eventually persists in the environment.…”

Biossorção passiva de cromo (VI) através da microalga Spirulina platensis

“…A biossorção é uma alternativa eficaz aos tratamentos de efluentes convencionais já utilizados, visto que os microrganismos retêm os metais promovendo um polimento do efluente e qualificando o processo, 19 tornando-se uma tecnologia promissora para tratamento de efluentes contendo metais tóxicos, 20,21 de forma a garantir o adequado tratamento desse efluente e reduzir os impactos ambientais causados por este no momento do lançamento no meio ambiente.…”