Biosorption: a solution to pollution?

Authors

  • Regine H. S. F. Vieira Marine Science Institute-Labomar, Federal University of Ceará Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
  • Boya Volesky Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada

Keywords:

pollution, biosorption, biosorbents, heavy metals, decontamination

Abstract

To solve the water pollution problem by toxic heavy metal contamination resulting from humans technological activities has for long presented a challenge. Biosorption can be a part of the solution. Some types of biosorbents such as seaweeds, molds, yeasts, bacteria or crab shells are examples of biomass tested for metal biosorption with very encouraging results. The uptake of heavy metals by biomass can in some cases reach up to 50% of the biomass dry weight. New biosorbents can be manipulated for better efficiency and multiple re-use to increase their economic attractiveness.

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Published

2010-03-15

Issue

Section

Review Articles