Integrated system of multiple batches to evaluate the continuous performance of microbial cells in decolourization processes

•Establishing an expanded immobilized microbial bed (EIMB) reactor.•Alginate capsulated S. cerevisiae ATCC 9763 was employed for decolourization study.•Reactor was run in an innovative approach, integrated system of five batches (ISFB).•ISFB set-up was utilized to investigate the long-term use of microbial cells.•ISFB is an easy approach for bench-scale studies on continuous microbial performance.