Efficacy and reusability of alginate-immobilized live and heat-inactivated Trichoderma asperellum cells for Cu (II) removal from aqueous solution

► Discovery of Cu(II) removal potential of Trichoderma asperellum. ► Alginate-immobilized non-viable cells removed highest amount of Cu(II) from solutions. ► Reusability potential biosorbents was >90%.