Biosorption system produced from biofilms supported on Faujasite (FAU) zeolite, process for obtaining it and its usage for removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI))

Abstract

The present invention refers to a biosorption system composed of a bacterial biofilm supported in synthetic zeolites, for usage in various types of industry for the removal of hexavalent chromium, through the retention of metal ions in the biofilm, in solutions with concentrations between 50 and 250 mgCr/L, process for obtaining it and respective usages. This process consists in obtaining a bacterial biofilm of Arthrobacter viscosus, supported on a faujasite (FAU) zeolite. The biofilm promotes the reduction of Cr (VI) to Cr (III) and, subsequently, Cr (III) is fixed in the zeolite by ion exchange. Several characterization procedures, like spectroscopic techniques (FTIR and ICP-AES), surface analysis (XRD and SEM) and thermal analysis (TGA) reveal that the biosorption process does not modify the morphology or the structure of the FAU zeolite. The biosorption system, and respective fixation process of hexavalent chromium in faujasite (FAU) zeolites, may be applicable to the treatment of industrial, mining or agriculture wastewater, for hexavalent chromium removal.