Continuous fixed bed biosorption of Cu2+ ions: application of a simple twoparameter mathematical model

Biomass from two fungi of the Mucorales order, laboratory cultured and immo bilised Rhizopus arrhizus, and industrial waste Mucor miehei, was tested fo r capacity to adsorb copper from solution in batch and continuous-flow colu mn systems. Maximum uptake levels were c 400 and 300 mmol g(-1) (dry weight ) respectively. Immobilisation of Rhizopus arrhizus in polyvinyl formal to cell loadings of 60% (w/w) did not diminish metal uptake levels, In continu ous-flow columns both biosorbents adsorbed copper to levels equal or approa ching the batch uptake values. Column breakthrough curves were fitted to a two parameter model and each of the parameters, sigma and t(0), were linear ly correlated with column operating parameters. Predicted breakthrough curv es agreed closely with experimental values. (C) 1999 Society of Chemical In dustry.