Adsorption of peptides produced by cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa onto granular activated carbon

The results showed that the peptide adsorption on both carbons increases with decreasing pH value. The highest adsorption capacity was reached at pH 5 for Picabiol 12×40 due to a high portion of mesopores in its structure and the electrostatic attraction between functionalities of the carbon and the peptides. It was demonstrated that increasing ionic strength can enhance adsorption of the peptides by screening the repulsive forces, or by strengthening the attractive ones in the adsorption system, all of that depending on the type of carbon used and pH applied. Among peptides, those with low molecular weight of 1.0-4.5 kDa were adsorbed preferentially. Formation of H-bonds and electrostatic interactions were confirmed to play an essential role during the adsorption of peptides onto activated carbon.