BIOSORPTION Meaning and
Definition
-
Biosorption, also known as biological sorption, is a process in which organic or inorganic substances are removed from a solution or gas by binding them to the surface of living or dead biological material, such as microorganisms, algae, fungi, or plant tissues.
In biosorption, the binding of the target substances to the biomass occurs through various mechanisms, including adsorption, ion exchange, complexation, chelation, and surface precipitation. The process is driven by the affinity and capacity of the biomass for the target substances, which can be enhanced by modifications such as chemical treatments or genetic engineering.
Biosorption is widely recognized for its potential applications in environmental remediation and waste treatment. It has proven effective in removing a wide range of contaminants, including heavy metals, radionuclides, organic pollutants, dyes, and even certain pharmaceuticals, antibiotics, and endocrine disruptors from polluted water or industrial effluents. Due to its nature, biosorption offers several advantages over conventional treatment methods, including cost-effectiveness, simplicity, regenerability, and low production of secondary wastes.
Furthermore, biosorption has also found applications in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries for the separation and recovery of valuable compounds, such as enzymes, metals, and antibiotics, from process streams. Ongoing research continues to explore and optimize biosorption processes, including the development of new materials and techniques, to maximize its efficiency and potential in various sectors.
Etymology of BIOSORPTION
The word "biosorption" is a combination of two words:
1. "Bio"- stemming from the Greek word "bios" (βίος) meaning "life". This prefix is commonly used in scientific terms to denote something related to living organisms or biology.
2. "Sorption" - derived from the word "absorption". "Sorption" is a term coined to represent a combined process of both absorption (penetration of one substance into another) and adsorption (adhesion of atoms, ions, or molecules to a surface). Therefore, "sorption" encompasses the concept of a substance being taken up or retained by another substance.
Bringing these two components together, "biosorption" refers to the process by which living organisms (such as microorganisms, plants, or their components) remove or retain various substances, often metals or organic compounds, from their surrounding environment.
