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Ionic strength effect on copper biosorption by Sphaerotilus natans: equilibrium study and dynamic modelling in
F Beolchini1, F Pagnanelli, L Toro
1Dipartimento di Scienze del Mare, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, Ancona, Italy. f.beolchini@univpm.it
Water Research
|December 13, 2005
Summary
Sphaerotilus natans effectively biosorbs copper, with higher uptake at pH 6. Ionic strength negatively impacts copper biosorption, especially at higher pH levels, as shown in batch and membrane reactor studies.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Water Treatment
Background:
- Copper contamination poses significant environmental risks.
- Biosorption offers a sustainable method for heavy metal removal.
- Sphaerotilus natans is a bacterium with potential for metal biosorption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biosorption of copper by Sphaerotilus natans.
- To evaluate the influence of pH and ionic strength on copper biosorption.
- To model copper biosorption using batch and membrane reactor systems.
Main Methods:
- Batch sorption tests were conducted under varying pH and ionic strength.
- Membrane reactor tests assessed copper removal over time.
- Competitive equilibrium and dynamic models were developed and applied.
Main Results:
- Biosorption capacity was higher at pH 6 (approx. 60 mg/g) than pH 4 (approx. 15 mg/g).
- Increased ionic strength negatively affected copper biosorption, particularly at pH 6.
- Ionic strength had minimal impact on copper removal in membrane reactors at pH 4 and 5.
Conclusions:
- Sphaerotilus natans demonstrates effective copper biosorption, influenced by pH and ionic strength.
- Modeling successfully predicted biosorption behavior, accounting for ion competition.
- Optimized conditions are crucial for efficient copper removal using this biosorbent.