Biosorption of copper(II) from aqueous solutions by Spirogyra species

Batch studies were conducted to investigate the kinetics and isotherms of Cu(II) biosorption on the biomass of green alga Spirogyra species. It is observed that the biosorption capacity of the biomass strongly depends on pH and algal dose. The maximum biosorption capacity of 133.3 mg Cu(II)/g of dry weight of biomass was observed at an optimum pH of 5 in 120 min with an algal dose of 20 g/L. Desorption studies were conducted with 133.3 mg/g of Cu(II) loaded biomass using different desorption agents including HCl, EDTA, H2SO4, NaCl, and H2O. The maximum desorption of 95.3% was obtained with HCl in 15 min. The results indicate that with the advantages of high metal biosorption capacity and satisfactory recovery of Cu(II), Spirogyra can be used as an efficient and economic biosorbent material for the removal and recovery of toxic heavy metals from polluted water.

Biosorption and desorption studies were conducted to investigate the potential of green alga Spirogyra species for removal of Cu(II) from aqueous solutions. The maximum biosorption capacity of 133.3 mg of Cu(II)/g of dry weight of biomass was observed at an optimum pH of 5 in 120 min with an algal dose of 20 g/L. The maximum desorption of 95.3% was obtained with HCl in 15 min.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide