Conclusions

There appear to be many modes of non-active metal uptake by microbial biomass. Any one or a combination of them can be functional in immobilizing metallic species on biosorbents. A number of anionic ligands participate: phosphoryl, carbonyl, sulfhydryl and hydroxyl groups can all be active to various degrees in binding the metal.

Many scientific studies are currently underway to provide a deeper understanding of biosorption and to support its effective application. Some pollution seems inevitable, and one might wonder what should be done to minimize it. Human populations need methods and technologies to clean waters and diminish the environmental dangers related to technological progress. Biosorption can be one such solution to clean up heavy metal contamination.

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