title: The application of a micro-algal/bacterial biofilter for the detoxification of copper and cadmium metal wastes.
abstract: In the present study the potential of a biofilter containing a mixture of dried micro-algal/bacterial biomass for removing heavy metals (Cu(2+), Cd(2+)) from dilute electroplating waste was tested. The biomass was produced in an artificial stream using the effluent of a municipal waste water treatment plant as a nutrient source, with the additional benefit of reducing phosphorus and nitrogen loadings. Baseline batch experiments determined that optimum adsorption for both metals (80-100%) were achieved with the deionized-H(2)O conditioned biomass at initial pH 4.0. Other biosorption variables (contact time, initial metal concentration) were also tested. Biosorption data were fitted successfully by the Langmuir model and results showed a high affinity of the used biomass for both metals (q(max) 18-31 mg metal/g.d.w). Flow-through column experiments containing Ca-alginate/biomass beads showed that metal adsorption depends also on flow-rate and volume of treated waste. Desorption of both metals with weak acids was very successful (95-100%) but the regeneration of the columns was not achieved due to the destabilization of beads.
authors.affiliation: Dept Ecology and Systematics, Fac Biology, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Loutseti
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Danielidis
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Economou-Amilli
authors.forename: Ch
authors.initials: Ch
authors.lastname: Katsaros
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Santas
authors.forename: Ph
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Santas
mesh_terms: D000327:Adsorption; D001419:Bacteria / Q000378:metabolism*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D018533:Biomass; D002104:Cadmium / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D003300:Copper / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D056890:Eukaryota / Q000378:metabolism*; D005374:Filtration / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D012044:Regression Analysis; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors; D014866:Waste Products; D014867:Water
chemical_list: D014866:Waste Products; D002104:Cadmium; D014867:Water; D003300:Copper