Cu(II) removal from aqueous solution by ureolytic mixed culture (UMC)

The study describes the sorption of living ureolytic mixed culture (UMC) to remove Cu(II) from aqueous solution under various conditions. The effects of various parameters such as optimum biomass, contact time, and Cu(II) concentrations on Cu(II) removal efficiency were investigated. The process was investigated using concentrations of Cu(II) ions ranging from 1 to 200 mg/L in equilibrium batch tests for Langmiur, D–R, and Freundlich isotherm models. The maximum removal efficiency of 99% was obtained a 1 g/L solid-to-liquid ratio with 1-min contact time for 100 mg/L initial concentration of Cu(II).

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► Ureolytic mixed culture (UMC) a living culture.
► It could help to remediate, to control or to prevent a possible pollution of water by copper.
► Physicochemical interactions occur between copper cations and UMC particles in aqueous solution.
► Adsorption process follows second-order reaction kinetics and Langmuir adsorption isotherm.