Algae are known to bio-adsorb heavy metals from solution. In this study, Neochloris minuta and Neochloris alveolaris microalgae were tested for their biosorption capacities. The algal samples were grown in the presence (+N) and absence (-N) of nitrogen to change their biochemical composition. The removal of nitrogen decreased the protein content accompanied with an increase in lipid concentration. The effects of the biochemical changes on the biosorption capacities of Pb2+, Cd2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, and V2+ on these two algae were studied. Batch adsorption experimental data were analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrometer and Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin–Raduschkevich adsorption isotherms. The maximum adsorption capacities ranged from 24.8±5.6 mg/g for Cu 2+ to 209.4±25.9 mg/g for Pb2+ and data suggests that the algae with +N tends to adsorb higher amounts of metals.

Isotherm studies of equilibrium sorption of Pb+2, Zn+2, Ni+2, Cd+2, Cu+2, V+2 unto modified composition algae

2019 Spring National Meeting

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