Copper(II) and Phenol Adsorption by Cell Surface Treated Candida tropicalis Cells in Aqueous Suspension

An experimental study was performed to determine the feasibility of using physically treated Candida tropicalis cells for sorption of Cu(II) and phenol, the role of competition between phenol molecules and Cu(II). The yeast cells were lyophilized (LC), heat-treated at 65 °C for 24 h (HT1), at 90 °C for 24 h (HT2), and 72 h (HT3), inactivated at 120 °C and 104 kPa for 20 min (PC). The adsorption isotherms were determined in batch system. Experimental equilibrium data were evaluated using Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models by linear and non-linear regression. The adsorbed Cu(II) and phenol amounts by yeast cells were decreased due to the physical treatments of cells. With the increase of biomass dosage from 1 to 10 g L−1, the adsorption efficiency was increased. The Cu(II) adsorption capacity was also determined in the presence of phenol at various initial concentrations, and in these systems, phenol adsorption isotherms were determined. In the presence of phenol, the Cu(II) sorption capacity by lyophilized cells and carbon particles was decreased. The most commonly used sorbent in water treatment is activated carbon with large specific surface; therefore, the results were compared with the experimental data obtained by using activated carbon (AC).