Removing Heavy Metals: Cutting-Edge Strategies and Advancements in Biosorption Technology

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Wastewater and industrial effluents often contain toxic heavy metals and metalloids.
• Biosorption offers a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative for pollutant removal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advancements in biosorption technology for heavy metal and metalloid removal.
• To detail biosorbent performance, including adsorption capacities and limitations.
• To highlight strategies for improving biosorbent longevity and regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of recent literature on biosorption technologies.
• Compilation of data on biosorbent composition, structure, and performance metrics.
• Review of factors affecting biosorbent deactivation and regeneration techniques.

Main Results:

• Biosorbents demonstrate high removal efficiencies for Cu (up to 96.4%), Pb (up to 95%), Cr (up to 99.9%), Zn (up to 99%), Ni (up to 93.8%), and As (up to 92.9%).
• Biosorbent deactivation due to cation blockage or chemical decomposition is a significant challenge.
• Chemical, thermal, and microwave treatments are effective regeneration methods.

Conclusions:

• Biosorption is a promising technology for wastewater treatment, offering environmental benefits.
• Further research is needed to develop robust biosorbents and optimize regeneration processes for long-term sustainability.