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On the cover
Despite the high biosorption capacity of microalgae, freely suspended microalgae is not attractive because of a number of disadvantages, i.e., small particle size, low chemical resistance, low mechanical strength, and difficulty in separation of biomass from the treated effluent. However, these shortcomings can be addressed by using immobilized microalgae in a biosorption packed bed. In this issue of Biofuel Research Journal, Dr. Kamoru A. Salam comprehensively reviews the essentials of microalgal biosorption for treating effluents containing heavy metals. He presents and critically discusses the different immobilization techniques used to enhance this process with a focus on cross-linking as the most promising approach. The author emphasizes that an ideal microalgal biosorbent should exhibit high sorption capacity, rapid sorption rate, good mechanical stability, high chemical resistance, easy separability, and reusability to ensure a cost effective and sustainable biosorption process. Cover art by BiofuelResJ.
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