Removal of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium cations with bacterial biosorbents from aqueous media

► SB-E was selected as the best candidate for the removal of [EMIM] cations. ► The optimal pH range for the [EMIM] biosorption on the SB-E was from 7 to 10. ► The maximum [EMIM] uptake of the SB-E was evaluated to be 72.6 mg/g. ► The SB-E can be easily regenerated using acetic acid as eluent.