Comparative studies on growth and Pb(II) removal from aqueous solution by Nostoc muscorum and Anabaena variabilis

Industrial wastewater containing heavy metals is a major environmental problem that needs to be treated. This study reported the ability of two fresh water algae cyanobacteria (Nostoc muscorum and Anabaena variabilis) to remove lead from aqueous solutions of four different initial concentrations (0-50 mg/L−1) for 21 days under controlled laboratory conditions. Results obtained in this study showed a maximum removal of Pb(II) (97.8%) by N. muscorum at 15 mg/L−1 initial metal concentration however the maximum removal by A. variabilis at the same concentration was 71.4% after 16 day of incubation. These N. muscorum appeared to be more efficient than A. variabilis for removing Pb(II). Algal growth, pigments in the algae cells were measured during incubation period. Lower concentrations of lead increased biomass, OD, chlorophyll a and carotenoids in both algae. On the other hand, higher concentrations of lead were inhibitory for growth.