Native Desmodesmus sp. and Chlorella sp. isolated from the Reconquista River display a different binding preference for Cu(II) and Zn(II).

The present work was developed to study the metal removal performance of unicellular algae isolated from the Reconquista River and to evaluate the effect of the presence of more than one metal in the removal process. Thus, native species of unicellular algae were isolated from the highly contaminated Reconquista River. All of the isolates were classified, at genus level, based on their morphological appearance. Nine isolates were screened for their Zn(II) removal capacities. Chlorella sp. RR5 and Desmodesmus sp. RR7 were selected based on their removal performance, and their potential in the remediation of multiple metals was analyzed. Therefore, zinc (Zn(II)), copper (Cu(II)), and chromium (Cr(VI)) removal was evaluated in mono- and multi-metallic solutions. Biosorption capacities were high (0.8-1.8 mmol g-1) for Zn(II) and Cu(II) in mono-metallic solutions. Removal capacities decreased up to 48% in multi-metallic solutions. Interestingly, when multi-metallic systems were considered, each strain showed a metal preference. Chlorella sp. removed better Cu(II) meanwhile Desmodesmus sp. showed a preference for Zn(II). Thus, a metal-binding selectivity in each strain was determined. Chromium (VI) remediation was almost null in the conditions analyzed in this work. Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis showed that polysaccharides were the main functional group involved in metal adsorption and, in some cases, also the carboxylates played an important role. Overall, we were able to analyze a new source of algal diversity and perform a metal removal characterization of them, leading to the identification of a metal selectivity based on the characteristics of the tested algal strains.

Adsorption of Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II) by dead Avena fatua biomass and the effect of these metals on their growth.

The biosorption of copper(II), zinc(II), cadmium(II) and lead(II) from aqueous solutions by dead Avena fatua biomass and the effect of these metals on the growth of this wild oat were investigated. Pseudo-first- and second-order and intra-particle diffusion models were applied to describe the kinetic data and to evaluate the rate constants. The adsorption kinetics of all the metals follows a pseudo-second-order model. The adsorption capacity was determined, and the Freundlich and Langmuir models were applied. The experimental data obtained for all the metals are best described by the Langmuir model. A. fatua was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and zeta potential. The results obtained evidence the presence of Zn(II), Cu(II), Cd(II) or Pb(II) on the surface of the weed. The growth of A. fatua was affected by the presence of all metals. The decrease in the growth rate with increasing metal concentration was more noticeable for zinc.

Co-biosorption of copper and glyphosate by Ulva lactuca.

This study investigated the adsorption of glyphosate (PMG) onto the green algae Ulva lactuca. PMG was not adsorbed by U. lactuca but PMG was adsorbed when the process was mediated by Cu(II) with molar ratios Cu(II):PMG≥1.5:1. U. lactuca was characterized by water adsorption surface area, FTIR, SEM and EDS. The Langmuir and Freundlich models were applied. Results showed that the biosorption processes for copper and PMG in the presence of copper were described described by the Langmuir model (qmax=0.85±0.09 mmol g(-1), KL=0.55±0.14 l mmol(-1) and qmax=3.65±0.46 mmol g(-1), KL=0.103±0.03 l mmol(-1), respectively). Copper adsorption was greater in the presence of PMG than in the absence of the pesticide and the adsorption can only be represented by the Freundlich model (KF=0.08±0.01, 1/n=1.86±0.07). In all cases studied, the maximum metal uptake (qmax) increased with increasing pH. Surface complexes with a stoichiometry ranging from ≡Cu-PMG-Cu to ≡Cu-PMG-Cu3 are suggested as reaction products of the process. Due to the increasing amounts of PMG applied in Argentina, natural reservoirs present considerable amounts of this herbicide. The value of this work resides in using U. lactuca, a marine seaweed commonly found along coastlines all over the world, as a biosorbent for PMG.

Biosorption of Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II) by dead biomasses of green alga Ulva lactuca and the development of a sustainable matrix for adsorption implementation.

Many industries have high heavy metals concentrations in their effluents that should be treated before disposal in drains or natural watercourses. When adsorption process is evaluated to generate and implement an efficient, economical and sustainable method suitable for heavy metals removal from contaminated effluents, it is necessary to develop an experimental setup that contains the adsorbent. Ulva lactuca, a marine green alga, was studied as a natural biosorbent for heavy metals at acid pH conditions. Adsorption experiments were carried out in glass columns and in batch where the alga was suspended or fixed in an agar matrix. Langmuir and Freundlich models were applied to the experimental results. Langmuir model best describes the adsorption isotherms in all analyzed cases. The adsorption capacity increases with pH. Kinetic studies demonstrate that, in most studied cases, the adsorption follows a pseudo second order kinetics model. Removal efficiencies of the biomaterial supported in agar or fixed in columns were: fixed in columns>suspended in batch mode>fixed in agar. Finally, the effect of the presence of two sorbates, Cd and Pb, in the solution was measured and results demonstrate that adsorption of both metals are diminished by co/adsorption.

Copper, zinc, cadmium and lead biosorption by Gymnogongrus torulosus. Thermodynamics and kinetics studies.

Gymnogongrus torulosus adsorption efficiency for cadmium(II), copper(II), lead(II) and zinc(II) were studied in batch mode in different acidic conditions. The adsorbent removal efficiency was determined as a function of contact time, initial metal ions concentration, pH and temperature. G. torulosus was characterized by SEM, water adsorption surface area and EDS. The Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich and Temkin models have been applied and results showed that the biosorption process was better described by the Langmuir model. Kinetic experiments demonstrated that fast metal uptakes follow a pseudo-second-order kinetic model and that intra-particle diffusion and/or chemisorption were the rate-limiting steps. Experimental results show that G. torulosus isotherm followed the biosorption series, Cu>Cd∼Zn∼Pb. Biosorption capacities were affected by solution parameters. The maximum metal uptake (qmax) increased with increasing pH. The affinity constant, qmax, and the pseudo-second-order kinetic constants were calculated for the adsorption of all studied metals onto G. torulosus. The Gibbs free energy of the adsorption process as well as the process enthalpy and entropy were calculated from experimental results.