Simultaneous copper, cobalt and phenol removal from aqueous solutions by alternating biosorption and biodegradation
Summary
This study presents a novel wastewater treatment strategy using fungal biosorption and yeast biodegradation for heavy metals and phenol removal. The combined approach effectively removes copper and cobalt, even after phenol degradation, showcasing its potential for industrial applications.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Biotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Wastewater treatment requires efficient removal of heavy metals and phenolic compounds.
- Conventional methods often face challenges with complex pollutant mixtures and regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a sequential biosorption-biodegradation strategy for removing copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), and phenol from wastewater.
- To investigate the impact of phenol-metal complexation on biosorbent efficiency and regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Immobilized Rhizopus archizus cells were used for initial cation biosorption.
- A yeast consortium (Candida sp. 2326 + Candida sp. 2327) facilitated phenol biodegradation.
- Batch experiments were conducted to assess removal efficiencies and biodegradation kinetics.
Main Results:
- Initial biosorption removed 81% Cu and 5% Co, with residual metals not affecting phenol biodegradation.
- Phenol (120 mg/L) was quantitatively biodegraded within 22 hours.
- Post-regeneration biosorption achieved higher removal efficiencies: 90% for Cu and 44% for Co.
Conclusions:
- The proposed consecutive biosorption-biodegradation-regeneration strategy is effective for treating wastewater contaminated with heavy metals and phenol.
- Positively charged copper and cobalt-phenol complexes were identified, which can impede initial metal uptake by biosorbents.
- Regeneration significantly enhances heavy metal removal efficiency, making the process viable for industrial wastewater treatment.
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