Copper biosorption by Sphaerotilus natans confined in UF membrane module: experimental study and kinetic modeling

Copper biosorption by Sphaerotilus natans is presented in this work. The process was realized in an ultrafiltration membrane reactor in order to confine cells. Experimental tests were performed under different conditions of pH, cell concentration and copper concentration in the stream to be treated. Copper concentration in the permeate was monitored during time in order to determine the process performance. Experimental data evidenced the very high sorption abilities of the employed microorganism. Kinetic modeling of the process was also performed and a mathematical model was developed, which takes into account a variation vs. time of copper retention coefficient coupled with biomass concentration. The model was able to successfully match experimental data.