Thin and thick target PIXE analyses to assess the mechanism of Cu2+ removal by Egeria densa

In this work the PIXE technique was used to study the mechanism of metal sorption by dead biomass. Several batch copper-sorption experiments were performed by using Egeria densa biomass. PIXE measurements were performed in solid and liquid samples. Element concentrations in biosorbent samples were determined using the Clara software. Based on the mass balance among the major elements in the liquid and solid phases before and after the Cu-removal experiments, an ion exchange process is suggested as the main mechanism. •PIXE analysis for the determination of element concentrations in metal removals.•Element concentrations with high reliability and reproducibility of data.•Assessment of the mechanisms involved in Cu2+ removal by biosorbent.•Confirmation of the signature of ion exchange process in metal removal.