Biosorption of Cu2+ by Pseudomonas putida Immobilized on Loofa Sponge (Luffa cylindrica L.)

Abstract

Cu2+ contaminated areas pose serious health risk for the living organisms. In this study, the biosorption of Cu2+ by Pseudomonas putida immobilized on loofa sponge (Luffa cylindrica L.) was investigated. Effects of the particle size of loofa sponge, initial pH, temperature, initial Cu2+ concentration and the stirring speed on the adsorption of Cu2+ were examined. Optimum conditions were determined as follows: loofa sponge particle size is 0.42 - 0.85 mm, initial pH is 5.0, temperature is 30 °C, initial Cu2+ concentration is 25 mg/l, and stirring speed is 130 rpm. According to the results of kinetic calculations, Qmax and ro values were determined as 0.394 mg/g and 0.077 mg/g.min for P. putida immobilized on loofa sponge, respectively, while they were found to be 0.096 mg/g and 0.052 mg/g.min for the loofa sponge only. It is thought that Cu2+ can be removed effectively from the wastewaters by using P. putida immobilized on loofa sponge.