USE OF SUGAR BEET PECTINS FOR BIOSORPTION OF HEAVY METALS FROM WASTE WATERS

Over the last decade, alternative methods of removing toxic metal ions from waste waters have been given increased attention, low costs, high efficiency, broad access and minimalization of chemical or biological sludge have become the main criteria. The methods of biosorption, which are based on binding metals to biomass, meet these criteria in considerable extent. Due to a high content of pectines, sugar beet cossettes show good adsorption properties and have high degree of re-usability in the process of bisorption. Thanks to these features, they become a very promising type of biomass for clearing waste waters contamined with heavy metals, especially lead. However, their broader application requires further research aimed mainly at optimalization of the process of biosorption.