Biosorption of heavy metal ions by immobilized Zoogloea and Zooglan

Abstract

Immobilized Zoogloea and zooglan in calcium alginate-silica matrix was shown to have a high adsorption capacity for Cu and Cd ions. Our results showed that Cu-ion uptake in the presence of Ca and Mg ions can be enhanced using immobilized Zoogloea and zooglan. Heavy metal ion adsorption efficiency decreased in the following order: Cu>Cd>Zn>Cr. The adsorbed metal ions were desorbed completely using sulfuric acid. Immobilized Zoogloea and zooglan which was repetitively regenerated adsorbed heavy metal ions without a loss of adsorption capacity.