Biosorption of heavy metals by algal communities in water streams affected by the acid mine drainage in the coal-mining region of Santa Catarina state, Brazil

In the coal-mining region of Santa Catarina state, Brazil, the water streams affected by acid mine drainage are inhabited by a few algae groups, including the genera Microspora, Eunotia, Euglena, Mougeotia, and Frustulia. The aim of this work was to study the accumulation of metals by these algal communities (periphyton) and their contribution to water decontamination. The results showed that the algal biomass contains high concentrations of metals, especially iron. The inorganic composition of the biomass correlated with the water chemistry.

► The watersheds in the carboniferous region of Santa Catarina state, Brazil, are extensively affected by the acid mine drainage (AMD).
► The aquatic environment impacted by AMD can be inhabited by few algae groups.
► The algae genera identified were: Microspora, Eunotia, Euglena, Mougeotia, and Frustulia.
► The algae communities present high concentrations of metals, including Fe, Al, Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, and Cu.
► Metal concentration onto the biomass reached values up to 7.1% (1.42 mmol/g).