Removal of Europium from aqueous solution using Saccharomyces cerevisiae immobilized in glutaraldehyde cross-linked chitosan

The current study deals with the utility of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) immobilized in glutaraldehyde cross-linked chitosan matrix for the removal of Eu(III) from aqueous solution. The biosorbent was characterized using FT-IR, SEM-EDX, XRD, TGA, and XPS analysis. Experimental variables that influence the adsorption were studied and the concentration of Europium was determined by ion chromatography. At pH 5.0, the adsorption was spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The biosorbent gave a Langmuir adsorption capacity of 19.41 mg g(-1) and followed pseudo second-order kinetics. The regeneration of biosorbent was achieved using potassium thiocyanate and the method showed good selectivity.