Bacterial biofilms are formed by communities that are embedded in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Importantly, bacteria in biofilms exhibit a set of 'emergent properties' that differ substantially from free-living bacterial cells. In this Review, we consider the fundamental role of the biofilm matrix in establishing the emergent properties of biofilms, describing how the characteristic features of biofilms - such as social cooperation, resource capture and enhanced survival of exposure to antimicrobials - all rely on the structural and functional properties of the matrix. Finally, we highlight the value of an ecological perspective in the study of the emergent properties of biofilms, which enables an appreciation of the ecological success of biofilms as habitat formers and, more generally, as a bacterial lifestyle.

Biofilms: an emergent form of bacterial life.

Equilibrium and kinetic studies in adsorption of heavy metals using biosorbent: a summary of recent studies.

Microbial and plant derived biomass for removal of heavy metals from wastewater.

Biosorption may be simply defined as the removal of substances from solution by biological material. Such substances can be organic and inorganic, and in gaseous, soluble or insoluble forms. Biosorption is a physico-chemical process and includes such mechanisms as absorption, adsorption, ion exchange, surface complexation and precipitation. Biosorption is a property of both living and dead organisms (and their components) and has been heralded as a promising biotechnology for pollutant removal from solution, and/or pollutant recovery, for a number of years, because of its efficiency, simplicity, analogous operation to conventional ion exchange technology, and availability of biomass. Most biosorption studies have carried out on microbial systems, chiefly bacteria, microalgae and fungi, and with toxic metals and radionuclides, including actinides like uranium and thorium. However, practically all biological material has an affinity for metal species and a considerable amount of other research exists with macroalgae (seaweeds) as well as plant and animal biomass, waste organic sludges, and many other wastes or derived bio-products. While most biosorption research concerns metals and related substances, including radionuclides, the term is now applied to particulates and all manner of organic substances as well. However, despite continuing dramatic increases in published research on biosorption, there has been little or no exploitation in an industrial context. This article critically reviews aspects of biosorption research regarding the benefits, disadvantages, and future potential of biosorption as an industrial process, the rationale, scope and scientific value of biosorption research, and the significance of biosorption in other waste treatment processes and in the environment. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry

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Biosorption: critical review of scientific rationale, environmental importance and significance for pollution treatment

The marine algae Sargassum sp, Padina sp, Ulva sp, and Gracillaria sp, harvested locally, were investigated for their biosorption performance in the removal of lead, copper, cadmium, zinc, and nickel from dilute aqueous solutions It was found that the biosorption capacities were significantly affected by solution pH, with higher pH favoring higher metal-ion removal Kinetic and isotherm experiments were carried out at the optimal pH: at pH 50 for lead and copper, and at pH 55 for cadmium, zinc, and nickel The metal removal rates were rapid, with 90% of the total adsorption taking place within 60 min Sargassum sp and Padina sp showed the highest potential for the sorption of the metal ions, with the maximum uptake capacities ranging from 061 to 116 mmol/g for Sargassum sp and 063 to 125 mmol/g for Padina sp The general affinity sequence for Padina sp was Pb>Cu>Cd>Zn>Ni, while that for Sargassum sp was Pb>Zn>Cd>Cu>Ni XPS and FTIR analysis of Sargassum sp and Padina sp revealed the chelating character of the ion coordination to carboxyl groups It was confirmed that carboxyl, ether, alcoholic, and amino groups are responsible for the binding of the metal ions

Sorption of lead, copper, cadmium, zinc, and nickel by marine algal biomass: characterization of biosorptive capacity and investigation of mechanisms

Biosorption of heavy metals by activated sludge and their desorption characteristics

The adsorption of the two metal ions Cu and Zn in a single-component system by Cymodocea nodosa, a brown alga, under different pH conditions was investigated. The solution pH significantly affected the exhibited uptake, being maximum at a pH value of 4.5. Multi-component mixture biosorption in aqueous solutions is also reported. A comparison was made between the single-component saturation uptake and the multi-component uptakes. To evaluate the two-metal sorption system performance, simple isotherm curves had to be replaced by three-dimensional sorption isotherm surfaces. In order to describe the isotherm surfaces mathematically, three Langmuir-type models were evaluated. The isotherms indicate a competitive uptake with Cu being preferentially adsorbed. In addition, different tests were carried out to compare the process efficiency working continuously in small columns.

Biosorption of copper and zinc by Cymodocea nodosa

Simultaneous uptake of metals by activated sludge

Effect of the presence of lead on the biosorption of copper, cadmium and zinc by activated sludge

Attempts were made to recover cadmium, copper, nickel, lead and zinc in aqueous solution by three different types of biomasses: Activated sludge (A.S.), brewer's yeast and barley's root. The former one was the most effective to uptake metal ions. pH solution was found to be critical to metal ions uptake, the optimum pH range was 4–5. Effect of biomass loading was also investigated, the optimum biomass concentration was 1 g L −1 . Temperature (20–60°C) had no effect on the level of accumulation of all metal ions tested. Adsorption behaviour of the five metals fitted Langmuir isotherm more than Freundlich model.

Activated sludge as biosorbent of heavy metals

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