Novel magnetically modified core/shell microcapsules with immobilized enzymes were employed for the removal of phenol. The method is based on the combined application of enzymatic conversion of the toxic compound and subsequent absorption of the reaction product onto the corresponding core biopolymers. Specifically, various combinations of core/shell structures of alginate and chitosan were examined in different environmental conditions. The resulting polymeric structure is trapped inside the capsule and retained by the shell, thus avoiding further release of the degradation products in the environment. The color intensity varied proportionally with the amount of phenol present in the sample. Inclusion of magnetic particles into the polymeric structure provided magnetic capabilities and possibilities for simple handling and separation. The presence of the magnetic nanoparticles had no effect on the removal capacity. The optimum conditions in which these structures provide the most effective phenol removal capacity are established.
