Binding of metal ions to extracellular components of microbial systems plays an important role in biosorption processes. Besides pH and temperature, type of anionic system and concentration of the metallic ions are some of the governing factors determining the maximum uptake capacity of the microbial system. Actinomycetes show an ability to selectively scavenge metals from aqueous systems. A biosorption system was tested using a bimetallic solution containing lead and copper. Uptake of Pb was observed to increase with concentration. Chloride ions had an inhibiting effect on the metal removal capacity of the actinomycetes system.

Biosorption, Extracellular binding, Metal removal, Actinomycetes, Anionic systems
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© IWA Publishing 1992
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