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Title: Biosorption of uranium by Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain CSU immobilized in a novel matrix

Journal Article · · Biotechnology Progress
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/bp9600849· OSTI ID:460060
;  [1]
  1. Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)

A number of polymeric materials, including calcium alginate, polyacrylamide, polysulfone, and polyurethane, were evaluated as possible immobilization matrices for lyophilized biomass of P. aeruginoso CSU. Polyurethane-based materials such as hydrogel were identified as superior candidates for biomass immobilization. A novel polyurethane gel-bead fabrication technique was developed and successfully demonstrated at pilot-plant scale for producing mass qualities of spherical, uniform-size beads. The immobilized bacterial biomass was evaluated via the measurement of sorption isotherms and dynamics within a batch, stirred-tank reactor; and loading and elution behavior within a continuous, upflow, packed-bed columnar reactor. Sorption equilibrium and dynamics in a batch stirred tank were modeled with a pore-diffusion mass transfer model, by which a pore-diffusion coefficient was determined to be approximately 2.0 x 10{sup -6} cm{sup 2}/s for uranyl ion transport through the polyurethane gel matrix. The biosorbent beads were regenerable with dilute (0.01-0.1 M) sodium carbonate solutions. Preliminary column breakthrough-elution studies indicated that P. aeruginosa CSU biomass immobilized within polyurethane gel beads was effective for removal of uranium from low-concentration, acidic wastewater. 35 refs., 9 figs., 4 tabs.

OSTI ID:
460060
Journal Information:
Biotechnology Progress, Vol. 13, Issue 1; Other Information: PBD: Jan-Feb 1997
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English