Removal of phosphate by adsorption onto oyster shell powder—kinetic studies

Kinetic studies on the removal of phosphate by adsorption onto oyster shell powder have been investigated at 24 °C. The results showed that the equilibrium occurred in 10 min and the equilibrium data followed the Freundlich isotherm. Freundlich constants were found to be k_f, 1.4 × 10^?2, and n, 0.71. The phosphate removal was not influenced by pH over the range 5.0–10.5. Continuous agitation studies at 24 °C and 530 rpm reached equilibrium after 7.7 days, when 24 g dm^?3 of oyster shell powder reduced the phosphate concentration from 50 to 7.0 mg dm^?3. The Lagergren rate constant for the slow adsorption process was observed to be 3.81 × 10^?4 dm³ min^?1. Comparison with calcium carbonate, GR grade, showed that oyster shell powder and CaCO₃ behave more or less in the same way. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

ELECTRO-DEIONIZATION OF Cr (VI)-CONTAINING SOLUTION. PART I: CHROMIUM TRANSPORT THROUGH GRANULATED INORGANIC ION-EXCHANGER

Kinetics of Cr (VI) → OH^? exchange on both hydrogel and xerogel of hydrated zirconium dioxide was investigated. Self-diffusion coefficient of Cr (VI) species has been determined by analysis of kinetic curves. Transport of Cr (VI) anions through the inorganic ion exchangers under the influence of applied voltage was also researched. In the case of hydrogel, the ions are transported mainly through the solid phase. Diffusion coefficient of chromate anions through this material was estimated as 9.00 × 10^?12 m² s^?1. This is in agreement with self-diffusion coefficient of Cr (VI) obtained from kinetic measurements (1.60 × 10^?12–9.92 × 10^?12 m² s^?1). Owing to the rather high mobility of Cr (VI) through hydrogel of hydrated zirconium dioxide, this material was recommended for electro-deionization processes. On the other hand, the use of polymer anion-exchange membrane must be excluded to prevent poisoning of the inorganic ion exchanger with Cr (III) cations to be formed during chemical interaction of Cr (VI) with organic materials.     

Reduction of Cr(VI) by palladized biomass of Desulfovibrio vulgaris NCIMB 8303

Palladized biomass of Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Bio‐Pd(0)) reduced Cr(VI) to Cr(III) at an initial rate four‐fold higher than chemically‐prepared Pd(0) metal. Optimal Cr(VI) reduction by suspended Bio‐Pd(0) occurred at pH 3, whereas pH did not affect the rate of Cr(VI) reduction by Bio‐Pd(0) immobilized in agar beads. The rate of Cr(VI) reduction was concentration‐dependent below 300 µmol dm^?3, and application of enzyme kinetics, considering Bio‐Pd(0) as an ‘artificial enzyme’, gave an apparent K_m (K_mapp) of approx. 650 µmol dm^?3 and V_max of 1667 nmol h^?1 mg Pd(0) for suspended Bio‐Pd(0). The potential of Bio‐Pd(0) as a method for the treatment of Cr(VI)‐wastes is discussed. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Supported Liquid Membrane Extraction Study of (MoO4)2- Ions using Tri-n-octylamine as Carrier

Abstract

The transport of (MoO₄)^2- ions across a tri-n-octylamine (TOA) xylene-based supported liquid membrane has been studied at various HCl concentrations in the feed, TOA concentrations in the membrane, and NaOH concentrations in the strip solution. The distribution coefficient and flux of the Mo(VI) ion species vary with the HCl concentration, indicating that different polymeric species of this metal ion are present in the aqueous solution. A TOA concentration increase of up to 1.308 mol/dm³ enhances flux and permeability of this metal ion, which beyond this concentration is reduced due to an increase in carrier liquid viscosity. An increase in NaOH solution concentration has been found to increase flux and permeability values. The continuous increase in pH of the feed with the transport of metal ions indicates that the (MoO₄)^2- transport does not involve a decrease or increase in concentration as a result of association of lower to higher or decomposition of higher to lower metal ions polymeric species. The optimum conditions of transport of Mo(VI) metal ions across these membranes have been found to be HCl = 0.01, [NaOH] = 1, and [TOA] = 1.308, furnishing flux and permeability values of the order of 2.49 × 10^?4 mol·m^?2·s^?1 and 2.32 × 10^?10 m²·s^?1, respectively.     

Photoelectrocatalytic humic acid degradation kinetics and effect of pH,applied potential and inorganic ions

This study addresses the removal of humic acid (HA) dissolved in an aqueous medium by a photoelectrocatalytic process. UV₂₅₄ removal and the degradation of color (Vis₄₀₀) followed pseudo‐first order kinetics. Rate constants were 1.1 × 10^?1 min^?1, 8.3 × 10^?2 min^?1 and 2.49 × 10^?2 min^?1 (R² > 0.97) for UV₂₅₄ degradation and 1.7 × 10^?1 min^?1, 6.5 × 10^?2 min^?1 and 2.0 × 10^?2 min^?1 for color removal from 5 mg dm^?3, 10 mg dm^?3 and 25 mg dm^?3 HA respectively. Following a 2 h irradiation time, 96% of the color, 98% of the humic acid and 85% of the total organic carbon (TOC) was removed from an initial 25 mg dm^?3 HA solution in the photoanode cell. Photocatalytic removal on the same photoanode was also studied in order to compare the two methods of degradation. Results showed that the photoelectrocatalytic method was much more effective than the photocatalytic method especially at high pH values and with respect to UV₂₅₄ removal. The effect of other important reaction variables, eg pH, external potential and electrolyte concentration, on the photoelectrocatalytic HA degradation was also studied. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

ELECTRO-DEIONIZATION OF Cr (VI)-CONTAINING SOLUTION. PART II: CHROMIUM TRANSPORT THROUGH INORGANIC ION-EXCHANGER AND COMPOSITE CERAMIC MEMBRANE

Cr (VI) transport through a composite ceramic membrane containing an ion-exchange component, namely xerogel of hydrated zirconium dioxide, was investigated. The diffusion coefficient of Cr (VI) species through the membrane, which has been determined under open circuit conditions, is 1.80 × 10^?10 m² s^?1. The transport number of Cr (VI) species through the ceramic membrane was found to rise with increasing voltage and reached 0.17 under “over-limiting current” conditions. On the other hand, the transport of chromate ions through hydrogel of hydrated zirconium dioxide becomes more intensive with a decrease in potential drop through the system involving ion-exchanger bed and ceramic membrane due to decrease in the membrane resistance. The diffusion coefficient of Cr (VI) ions in hydrogel of the inorganic ion exchanger was estimated as 4.36 × 10^?12 m² s^?1. A possibility of Cr (VI) removal from a weakly acidic diluted solution using an electro-deionization method was shown: the degree of solution purification was found to reach 50%. The transport of species is realized through both the solution and the ion exchanger.     

Electroreduction of hexavalent chromium by polyaniline

BACKGROUND: A plate‐gap model interpretation of enzymatic reaction kinetics and rotating disc voltammetry were applied for evaluation of the nature of the reaction of the electroreduction of Cr(VI) (as dichromate ions) on a polyaniline (PANI)‐modified glassy carbon (GC) electrode. RESULTS: The kinetic parameters (the maximal current (V_max) and Michaelis constant (K_M)) for electroreduction of Cr(VI) on the PANI‐modified GC electrode were determined as V_max = 0.34 × 10^?7 mol cm^?3 s^?1 and K_M = 0.47 × 10^?6 mol cm^?3. The reduction of dichromate is intensified by PANI film growth. CONCLUSION: To characterise the electroreduction of Cr(VI) on a PANI‐modified GC electrode, the kinetic parameters of the reaction were determined using a plate–gap model interpretation of enzymatic reaction kinetics and rotating disc voltammetry. The catalytic nature of Cr(VI) electroreduction on the PANI‐modified electrode has been shown. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Biological Removal of Aqueous Hexavalent Chromium

The conventional chemical reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) and subsequent Cr(OH)₃ precipitation are expensive due to the use of large amounts of chemicals and the generation of chemical sludges. An attempt was carried out for microbial Cr(VI) removal in an anaerobic chemostat fed with an acetate-containing synthetic medium. With 26 mg Cr(VI) dm⁻³ in the influent, almost complete removal of Cr(VI) was achieved at dilution rates of 0·15 and 0·32 day⁻¹ at 20°C and at 35°C, respectively. The optimum Cr(VI) mass loading and the specific Cr(VI) applied rates were found to be 5 mg Cr(VI) dm⁻³ day⁻¹ and 0·02 mg Cr(VI) mg⁻¹ VSS day⁻¹, respectively. Either the influent Cr(VI) concentration or the dilution rate could be adjusted to maintain an efficient removal of Cr(VI) in a continuous operation. Since the Cr(VI)-reducing activity is associated with the biomass concentration in the system, recycling the effluent solids is essential for practical application. In a batch reactor with the biomass collected from the chemostat, NaAc degradation appeared to be proportional to Cr(VI) reduction with the ratio of 9 mg C mg⁻¹ Cr(VI) at 35°C. As reactions proceeded, the oxidation–reduction potential correspondingly decreased and both pH and alkalinity increased. © 1997 SCI.     

The comprehensive investigation of the room temperature ionic liquid additives in PVC based polymer inclusion membrane for Cr(VI) transport

This study is to perform the comprehensive investigation of PVC based ionic plasticized membrane (IPM) production by using room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL)‐based additives and the membrane application of selective Cr(VI) removal. Some significant parameters related to membrane structures that are membrane thickness, plasticizer rate, and type, RTILs rate, and type, the average molecular weight of PVC were studied to define the excellent polymeric membrane film composition. After that, the PVC based polymeric film used in the Cr(VI) transport and initial mass transfer coefficient (J_o) were about 3.57 × 10^?7 mol s^?1 m^?2 by decyl substituted RTIL as an additive. Also, optimized membrane transport process has been considered as selective enough for Cr(VI) in the presence of the other heavy metal ions. Surface characterizations of the membranes have been performed to clarify the structural and the morphological assessment of IPMs at initial and end of Cr(VI) transport by SEM‐EDX, AFM, contact angle measurement and found a good relationship between the molecular structure of RTIL additive and membrane morphology. As we know that lots of researchers are still trying to find environmentally friendly, inexpensive and straightforward processes to remove toxic substances from industrial effluents or natural sources. At that point, our results can open a gate for cheap, novel and environmentally friendly Cr(VI) removal by PVC based membrane. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 25:E107–E119, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Transport of Co(II) Ions through Di(2-ethylhexyl) Phosphoric Acid-CCl4 Supported Liquid Membranes

Abstract

A liquid membrane transport study of Co(II) using di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EPHA) as carrier and CCl₄, as diluent supported on polypropylene microporous film has been carried out. The carrier concentration in the membrane and HCl concentration in the stripping phase have been varied to see the effect on transport of Co(II) ions across the membrane. Maximum flux and permeability values of 1.23 × 10^?5 mol · m^?2 · s^?1 and 7.66 × 10^?11 m²/s, respectively, at a 0.87 mol/dm³ carrier concentration in the membrane have been found. At 1 mol/dm³ HCl concentration in the stripping phase the flux and permeability have maximum values of 1.4 mol · m^?2 · s^?1 and 5.27 × 10^?11 m²/s, respectively. The distribution coefficient of Co(II) ions into organic phase has been found to increase with increasing carrier concentration. The diffusion coefficient determined varies from 13.73 × 10^?11 to 0.83 × 10^?11 m²/s, which is the reverse order of the values of the distribution coefficient and explains the permeability of the Co(II) D2EPHA complex through the membrane.     

Adsorption of Microamounts of Silver on Manganese Dioxide from Acid Solutions

Abstract

Adsorption of microamounts of silver on manganese dioxide from nitric and perchloric acid solutions has been studied and optimized with respect to shaking time, concentrations of electrolyte, adsorbent, and adsorbate. Maximum adsorp- tion (>99.5%) has been achieved from 0.01 mol/dm³ acid solution using 50 mg oxide at 10^?5 mol/dm³ silver concentration after 30 min shaking. The adsorption decreases with increasing concentration of acid and adsorbate from both the acids. The presence of a 10⁴-fold greater concentration of cyanide, thiocyanate, thiosulfate, and Pb(II) than silver reduces the adsorption drastically. The adsorption of silver follows the Freundlich adsorption isotherm over the entire concentration range investigated from 9.27 × 10^?6 to 2.92 × 10^?3 mol/dm³ with a value of A = 49 mmol/g and 1/n = 0.93. Moreover, the Langmuir adsorption isotherm is also valid except at the lowest and highest concentrations. The values of the limiting adsorption concentrtion (C_m ) have been found to be 1 mmol/g and of the equilibrium constant for adsorption 87 dm³/mol at 23 ± 2°C.     

A new bioinorganic process for the remediation of Cr(VI)

Palladised biomass of Desulfovibrio desulfuricans ATCC 29577 (bio‐Pd(0)) effected reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) under conditions where biomass alone or chemically‐prepared Pd(0) were ineffective. Reduction of 500 µmol dm^?3 Cr(VI) by 0.4 mg cm^?3 bio‐Pd(0) (Pd : biomass ratio of 1:1) was achieved from 1 mol dm^?3 formate/acetate buffer at pH 1–7 at room temperature; the optimum pH was 3.0. The ratio of mass of Pd : dry mass of biomass, and the need for finely ground bio‐Pd(0) were important parameters for optimal Cr(VI) reduction, with a ratio of 1:1 giving 100% reduction of 500 µmol dm^?3 Cr(VI) within 6 h at room temperature, decreasing to 30 min following heat treatment of the Pd(0)‐loaded biomass. The reduced Cr was recovered quantitatively as soluble Cr(III) at pH 3.0 with no poisoning of the bioinorganic catalyst with respect to continued reduction of Cr(VI). © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Adsorption of cadmium and zinc from aqueous solution on natural and activated bentonite

The adsorption of cadmium and zinc ions on natural bentonite heat-treated at 110°C or at 200°C and on bentonite acid-treated with H₂SO₄ (concentrations: 0·5 mol dm^?3 and 2·5 mol dm^?3), from aqueous solution at 30°C has been studied. The adsorption isotherms corresponding to cadmium and zinc may be classified respectively as H and L types of the Giles classification which suggests the samples have respectively a high and a medium affinity for cadmium and zinc ions. The experimental data points have been fitted to the Langmuir equation in order to calcualte the adsorption capacities (X_m) and the apparent equilibrium constants (K_a) of the samples; X_m and K_a values range respectively for 4·11 mg g^?1 and 1·90 dm³ g^?1 for the sample acid-treated with 2·5 mol dm^?3 H₂SO₄ [(B)-A(2·5)] up to 16·50 mg g^?1 and 30·67 dm³ g^?1 for the natural sample heat-treated at 200°C [B-N-200], for the adsorption process of cadmium, and from 2·39 mg g^?1 and 0·07 dm³ g^?1, also for B-A(2·5), up to 4·54 mg g^?1 and 0·45 dm³ g^?1 [B-N-200], for the adsorption process of zinc. X_m and K_a values for the heat-treated natural samples were higher than those corresponding to the acid-treated ones. The removal efficiency (R) has also been calculated for every sample; R values ranging respectively from 65·9% and 8·2% [B-A(2·5)] up to 100% and 19·9% [B-N-200], for adsorption of cadmium and zinc.     

Dynamical modeling of the electrochemical process to remove Cr (VI) from wastewaters in a tubular reactor

This work is aimed at obtaining and calibrating a dynamical model of the electrochemical reduction of Cr(VI) in a tubular continuous reactor with a spiral wire shaped anode at different conditions of pH (1.0 to 2.0) and residence times. An industrial wastewater sampled from a Mexican electroplating industry with about 1000 mg dm^?3 of Cr(VI) was used for the experiments. It was found that pH exerts a strong influence on the performance of electrochemical reduction of Cr(VI). Thus at a wastewater influent pH = 1.0 and a residence time in the reactor of 38.5 min it is possible to reduce the Cr(VI) concentration from 1000 to 0.37 mg dm^?3. However at an influent pH higher than 1.5, an effluent Cr(VI) concentration lower than 0.5 mg dm^?3 cannot be obtained. A more complete dynamic model was applied incorporating pH and the dispersion effects that affect the electrochemical Cr(VI) removal. The model, which adequately describes the performance of the electrochemical process, can be used to optimize the performance of this kind of reactor with more reliability. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Towards the design of non-amyloidogenic proteins

Glucose oxidase was immobilized onto poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) membranes by two methods: by covalent bonding through epichlorohydrin and by entrapment between pHEMA membranes. The highest immobilization efficiency was found to be 17.4% and 93.7% for the covalent bonding and entrapment, respectively. The K_m values were 5.9 mmol dm^?3, 8.8 mmol dm^?3 and 12.4 mmol dm^?3 for free, bound and entrapped enzyme, respectively. The V_max values were 0.071 mmol dm^?3 min^?1, 0.067 mmol dm^?3 min^?1 and 0.056 mmol dm^?3 min^?1 for free, bound and entrapped enzyme. When the medium was saturated with oxygen, K_m was not significantly altered but V_max was. The optimum pH values for the free, covalently-bound and entrapped enzyme were determined to be 5, 6, and 7, respectively. The optimum temperature was 30°C for free or covalently-bound enzyme but 35°C for entrapped enzyme. The deactivation constant for bound enzyme was determined as 1.7 × 10^?4 min^?1 and 6.9 × 10^?4 min^?1 for the entrapped enzyme.     

Effect of an electric field on the transport of Th(IV) in the presence of Eu(III) and U(VI) through supported liquid membrane containing di‐2‐ethylhexylphosphoric acid

This paper investigates the transport of Th(IV) ions in nitric acid media through a supported liquid membrane (SLM) impregnated with di‐2‐ethylhexylphosphoric acid (HDEHP) in kerosene using an electric field. The transport was carried out in a three compartment cell fitted with microporous cellulose nitrate (SLM) and cation exchange membrane (Nafion). The effect of different parameters including nitric acid concentration in the feed solution, HDEHP concentration in the membrane, and HCl concentration were studied. The optimal conditions for Th(IV) transport were 0.1 mol dm^?3 HDEHP, 10^?3 mol dm^?3 HNO₃ in the feed solution, 1 mol dm^?3 HCl in compartment 2 and 1 mol dm^?3 HCl in compartment 3 at 25 °C. Under the optimal conditions of Th(IV) transport the recovery factor after 90 min was 0.25 without applying an electrostatic field, compared with 0.9 when the electric field was applied. The effect of electric current on the flux of Th(IV) through the membrane was also studied. The flux increased as the current density increased from 10 to 30 mA cm^?2 to reach a maximum value at 30 mA cm^?2 (8 × 10^?9 g eq cm^?2 s^?1). The transport percentages of 0.3 g dm^?3 Th(IV) in the presence of 0.1 g dm^?3 Eu(III) and 1 g dm^?3 U(VI) were 66, 84 and 15%, respectively. The determined selectivities of U(VI)–Th(IV) and Th(IV)–Eu(III) were 0.12 and 0.3, respectively, after 90 min. Therefore, the order of selectivity of this system is Eu(III) > Th(IV) > U(VI). © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

Sorption of copper by a highly mineralized peat in batch and packed‐bed systems

BACKGROUND: The performance of peat for copper sorption was investigated in batch and fixed‐bed experiments. The effect of pH was evaluated in batch experiments and the experimental data were fitted to an equilibrium model including pH dependence. Hydrodynamic axial dispersion was estimated by tracing experiments using LiCl as a tracer. Six fixed‐bed experiments were carried out at copper concentrations between 1 and 60 mg dm^?3 and the adsorption isotherm in dynamic mode was obtained. A mass transport model including convection–dispersion and sorption processes was applied for breakthrough curve modelling. RESULTS: Maximum uptake capacities in batch mode were 22.0, 36.4, and 43.7 mg g^?1 for pH values of 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0, respectively. Uptake capacities in continuous flow systems varied from 36.5 to 43.4 mg g^?1 for copper concentrations between 1 and 60 mg dm^?3. Dynamic and batch isotherms showed different shapes but a similar maximum uptake capacity. Sorbent regeneration was successfully performed with HCl. A potential relationship between dispersion coefficient and velocity was obtained with dispersion coefficients between 5.00 × 10^?8 and 2.95 × 10^?6 m² s^?1 for water velocities ranging between 0.56 × 10^?4 and 5.03 × 10^?4 m s^?1. The mass transport model predicted both the breakpoints and the shape of the breakthrough curves. CONCLUSIONS: High retention capacities indicate that peat can be used as an effective sorbent for the treatment of wastewater containing copper ions. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Coupled Transport of Zr(IV) through Tri-n-butylphosphate-Xylene-Based Supported Liquid Membranes

Abstract

The transport of Zr(IV) through tri-n-butylphosphate-xylene-based liquid membranes, supported in a polypropylene hydrophobic microporous film, has been studied. The concentration of HNO₃ in the feed solution and tri-n-butylphosphate (TBP) carrier in the membrane were varied, and the flux and permeability coefficients were determined. The optimum conditions found for maximum flux were determined to be 10 mol/dm³ HNO₃ and 2.93 mol/dm³ TBP with a flux value of 12.9 × 10^?6 mol · m^?2 · s^?1. The solvent extraction study revealed that 1.25 to 3.5 protons are involved in zirconium transport, and that two molecules of TBP are involved in the complex formation. The value of protons involved varies with acid concentration. The zirconium ion transport is coupled with nitrate ions transport.     

Graft copolymerization of acrylamide onto cellulose in presence of comonomer using ceric ammonium nitrate as initiator

The graft copolymerization of acrylamide (AAm) and ethylmethacrylate (EMA) monomers onto cellulose has been carried out using ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) as initiator in presence of nitric acid at (25 ± 1)°C and varying feed molarity from 7.5 × 10^?2 mol dm^?3 to 60.0 × 10^?2 mol dm^?3 at fixed feed composition (f_AAm = 0.6). The graft yield (%G_Y) has shown a linear increasing trend upto a feed molarity of 37.5 × 10^?2 mol dm^?3. The composition of grafted copolymer chains was found to be constant (F_AAm = 0.56) during feed molarity variation but shown variations with feed composition (f_AAm) and reaction temperature. The grafting parameters have shown increasing trends up to 7.5 × 10^?3 mol dm^?3 concentration of ceric (IV) ions and decreased on further increasing the concentration of ceric (IV) ions beyond 7.5 × 10^?3 mol dm^?3. The IR and elemental analysis data were used to determine the composition of grafted chains (F_AAm) and reactivity ratio of acrylamide (r₁) and ethylmethacrylate (r₂) comonomers. The reactivity ratio for acrylamide (r₁) and ethylmethacrylate (r₂) has been found to be 0.7 and 1.0 respectively, which suggested for an alternate arrangement of average sequence length of acrylamide (mM?₁) and ethylmethacrylate (mM?₂) in grafted chains. The rate of graft copolymerization of comonomers onto cellulose was found to be proportional to square concentration of comonomers and square root to the concentration of ceric (IV) ions. The energy of activation (ΔEa) of graft copolymerization was found to be 9.57 kJ mol^?1 within the temperature range of 20–50°C. On the basis of experimental findings, suitable reaction steps have been proposed for graft copolymerization of selected comonomers. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 2546–2558, 2006     

Removal of Hydrogen Sulphide by Immobilized Thiobacillus sp. strain CH11 in a Biofilter

An autotropic Thiobacillus sp. CH11 was isolated from piggery wastewater containing hydrogen sulphide. The removal characteristics of hydrogen sulphide by Thiobacillus sp. CH11 were examined in the continuous system. The hydrogen sulphide removal capacity was elevated by the BDST (Bed Depth Service Time) method (physical adsorption) and an immobilized cell biofilter (biological conversion). The optimum pH to remove hydrogen sulphide ranged from 6 to 8. The average specific uptake rate of hydrogen sulphide was as 1·02×10⁻¹³ mol-S cell⁻¹ h⁻¹ in continuous systems. The maximum removal rate and saturation constant for hydrogen sulphide were calculated to be V_m = 30·1 mmol-S day⁻¹ (kg-dry bead)⁻¹ and K_s = 1·28 μmol dm⁻³, respectively. A criterion to design a scale-up biofilter was also studied. The maximum inlet loading in the linear region (95% removal) was 47 mmol-S day⁻¹ (kg-dry bead)⁻¹. Additionally, the biofilter exhibited high efficiency (>98·5%) in the removal of hydrogen sulphide at both low (<0·026 mg dm⁻³) and high (0·078 mg dm⁻³) concentrations. The results suggested that the Thiobacillus sp. CH11 immobilized with Ca-alginate is a potential method for the removal of hydrogen sulphide. © 1997 SCI.