Modified Rhizopus arrhizus biomass for sorption of Am and other radionuclides.

The improvement and the refinement of non-viable Rhizopus arrhizus biomass were investigated via immobilization. Immobilization was carried out by using sodium alginate/CaCl solution and formaldehyde/HCl cross-linking with dead Rhizopus arrhizus biomass and were used for the sorption of radionuclides from low level effluent wastes. The sodium alginate/CaCl immobilized biomass (ratio 1:2) showed about 86% sorption for Am activity but due to its soft nature and tendency to undergo distortion in shape, is unsuitable for practical applications. The biomass cross-linked with 15% formaldehyde/0.1 M HCl solution has a relatively high mechanical strength and rigidity. It was showing a sorption of >99% for Am activity and has the sorption capacity of ~65 mg/g for americium and uranium. Hence, it can be utilized for the removal of radionuclides from radioactive waste effluents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]