BIOSORPTION

Neha Mandhare

Department of Chemical Engineering, Haldia Institute of Technology

Haldia 721657, Medinapur, West Bengal

The discharge of heavy metals into aquatic ecosystems has become a matter of
concern in India over the last few decades. Several methods have been devised for
the treatment and removal of heavy metals like ion exchange, ultrafiltration, etc. A
new technology is introduced for wastewater treatment i.e., Biosorption.
Biosorption can be defined as the selective sequestering of metal soluble species
that result in the immobilization of the metals by microbial cells. A variety of
biomaterials are known to bind these pollutants, including bacteria, fungi, algae,
and industrial and agricultural wastes. The uptake of heavy metals by biomass can
in some cases reach up to 50% of the biomass dry weight. The different methods
for the treatment of waste water is discussed. The diagrammatic representation of
different absorbents is shown. The preparation and the mechanism of bacterial
biosorbents and the regeneration of the biosorbents is discussed. A brief
comparison of performance of different biosorbents and the application of
biosorption. The problems associated with microbial biosorption are analyzed,
and suitable remedies is shown. The present review also highlights the necessity
for the examination of biosorbents within real situations. Thus, this reviews the
achievements and current status of biosorption technology.

Sonali Samanta/Neha Mandhare

Email: neha.mandhare7@gmail.com

Tel: +918653869776