Int. J. Environment and Pollution, Vol. 34, Nos. 1/2/3/4, 2008 427 Copyright © 2008 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. Innovative use of silvichemical biomass and its derivatives for heavy metal sorption from wastewater Hong Yu, Geoff H. Covey and Andrea J. O’Connor* Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia Fax: 61 3 8344 4153 E-mail: Yu@ipaustralia.gov.au E-mail: geoffcovey@coveyconsulting.com.au E-mail: a.oconnor@unimelb.edu.au *Corresponding author Abstract: Biosorption is a process of metabolism-independent, passive, physico-chemical binding of metal ions involving non-living biomass, which offers advantages over conventional methods because of cost-effectiveness, especially for dilute metal solutions, and minimal environmental impact. This paper reviews heavy metal biosorption using silvichemical-based biomass materials. It discusses the use of a wide range of silvichemical biomasses and their derivatives for heavy metal removal from single and multi-metal systems. The structures and properties of silvichemical biomasses as well as methods of biosorbent pretreatment and immobilisation are evaluated. Metal biosorption mechanisms and binding sites, selective biosorption and biosorbent reuse and regeneration are also addressed. Keywords: silvichemical biomass; heavy metal; biosorption; wastewater treatment; ion exchange. Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Yu, H., Covey, G.H. and O’Connor, A.J. (2008) ‘Innovative use of silvichemical biomass and its derivatives for heavy metal sorption from wastewater’, Int. J. Environment and Pollution, Vol. 34, Nos. 1/2/3/4, pp.427–450. Biographical notes: Hong Yu obtained a Master of Engineering Science Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Melbourne in Australia in 2000, and graduated with a PhD Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia in 2004. He is thus far the author of more than 20 publications in book, book chapter, journal article, and conference paper. His main research interests include separation processes, heat transfer, crystal growth, wastewater treatment, fouling of membrane and heat exchange surfaces, and membrane desalination. Geoff H. Covey obtained BSc Chemical Engineering from the University of Surrey. Two years pigment research at Laporte. PhD University of Melbourne. Nine years process development and plant technical at Australian Paper Manufacturers, developed commercial chemical recovery process. Four years research at Associated Pulp and Paper Mills. Eight years academic staff at the University of Melbourne with research in fluoride processing, pulp and paper and engineering economic analysis. Formed Covey Consulting in 1989, now Chairman, work for many clients on research, design, process improvement and business analysis.