Several biosorption studies in batch mode have been reported
in the literature [16,41,42]; however, the use of biosorbents for
the treatment of real wastewaters, containing different metals in
a continuous operating regime, is not frequently reported. Practical
large-scale applications of the biosorption process involve the use
of a continuous operation regime. Packed bed columns constitute
the most suitable configuration for removal of heavy metals, since
they are simple to operate, achieve a high yield and can be easily
scaled up [43,44]. Packed bed column systems with continuous
flow allow operating in cycles of saturation/elution/regeneration.
Using a suitable eluent solution, the metals ions can be displaced
from the biomass, producing small amounts of concentrated metal
solution in comparison to conventional recovery processes