Efficacy and reusability of alginate-immobilized live and heat-inactivated Trichoderma asperellum cells for Cu (II) removal from aqueous solution

Cu(II) removal efficacies of alginate-immobilized Trichoderma asperellum using viable and non-viable forms were investigated with respect to time, pH, and initial Cu(II) concentrations. The reusability potential of the biomass was determined based on sorption/desorption tests. Cu(II) biosorption by immobilized heat-inactivated T. asperellum cells was the most efficient, with 134.22 mg Cu(II) removed g−1 adsorbent, compared to immobilized viable cells and plain alginate beads (control) with 105.96 and 94.04 mg Cu(II) adsorbed g−1 adsorbent, respectively. Immobilized non-viable cells achieved equilibrium more rapidly within 4 h. For all biosorbents, optimum pH for Cu(II) removal was between pH 4 and 5. Reusability of all biosorbents were similar, with more than 90% Cu(II) desorbed with HCl. These alginate-immobilized cells can be applied to reduce clogging and post-separation process incurred from use of suspended biomass.