Continuous biosorption of copper and lead in single and binary systems using Sphaerotilus natans cells confined by a membrane: experimental validation of dynamic models

Biosorption of heavy metals using membrane reactors as confining devise for free cells is an alternative process to remove these metallic pollutants from aqueous solution. In this paper, experimental data and modelling of heavy metal biosorption onto Sphaerotilus natans cells confined by a ultrafiltration/microfiltration (UF/MF) membrane reactor are reported. Biosorption tests using single and binary metallic solutions (Cu, Pb and Cu–Pb) denoted the biomass affinity (Pb>Cu), the competition among metals simultaneously present in the system, the filtrate flux decline and the change of metal retention coefficient on the membrane for pore plugging by cell fragments. Dynamic modelling is developed considering the unsteady mass balances of the metal in the system and the equilibrium parameters obtained by biosorption batch tests using Langmuir models. Experimental validation of the dynamic models denoted the importance of partial degradation of cells, which is specifically considered in modelling by introducing a time-depending profile for the biomass concentration.