Biosorption of chromium VI by free and immobilized Rhizopus arrhizus

• Published in: Environmental pollution (1987) Vol. 104; no. 3; pp. 421 - 427
• Main Authors: Prakasham, R.S, Merrie, J.Sheno, Sheela, R, Saswathi, N, Ramakrishna, S.V
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.01.1999; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Biological and medical sciences; Biological treatment of waters; Bioremediation; Biosorption; Biotechnology; Chromium; Environment and pollution; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Heavy metal; heavy metals; Industrial applications and implications. Economical aspects; Other wastewaters; Pollution; Rhizopus arrhizus; sorption; Wastewater treatment; Wastewaters; Water treatment and pollution; Chromium; Rhizopus arrhizus; Biosorption; Bioremediation; Wastewater treatment; Heavy metal; Fluidized bed reactor; Phycomycetes; Biomass; Stirred tank reactor; Biological purification; Fungi; Sorption; Bioreactor; Waste water purification; Performance; Chromium VI; Thallophyta
• ISSN: 0269-7491; 1873-6424
• DOI: 10.1016/S0269-7491(98)00174-2

Biosorption of chromium (VI) was studied by using non-living free and immobilized biomass of Rhizopus arrhizus at pH 2. A biphasic chromium adsorption pattern was observed in all experimental conditions. Chromium removal rate was slightly more in free biomass conditions over immobilized state. Stirred tank reactor studies indicated maximum chromium biosorption at 100 rpm and at 1:10 biomass–liquid ratio. Fluidized bed reactor is more efficient in chromium removal over stirred tank reactor. Immobilization of biomaterial has a little effect on chromium biosorption by this R. arrhizus biomass. ©