Solution and particle effects on the biosorption of heavy metals by seaweed biomass

Journal Article · Sun Dec 01 00:00:00 EST 1996 · Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology

OSTI ID:588682

Leusch, A; Holan, Z R; Volesky, B ^[1]

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1. McGill Univ., Montreal, Quebec (Canada)

Biosorption of cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) by six fractions of particle sizes, ranging from 0.063 to 1.4 mm of dry marine algal biomass of Sargassum fluitans and Ascophyllum nodosum, is examined. Equilibrium metal uptake by larger particles was higher than that by smaller particles in the order of Pb > Cd > Cu > Co > Zn > Ni for both biomass types, with S. fluitans sorbing slightly more than A. nodosum. Uptakes of metals ranged from the highest, q{sub max} = 369 mg Pb/g (particle size 0.84-1.00 mm), to the low Zn and Ni uptakes, q{sub max} = 77 mg/g (size 0.84-1.00 mm) for S. fluitans. A. nodosum adsorbed metals in the range from q{sub max} = 287 mg Pg/g (particle size 0.84-1.00 mm) to q{sub max} = 73 mg Zn/g (particle size 0.84-1.00mm). Harder stipe fractions of S. fluitans demonstrated generally higher metal uptakes than the softer fractions derived from its blades (leaves). The pH dependence of the Zn uptake by S. fluitans exhibited an S-shaped curve between pH 1.5 and pH 7, with 50% of the maximum (pH 7.0) uptake at pH 3.5. Monovalent Na and K ions at higher concentrations inhibited the biosorption of Zn by S. fluitans. A significant inhibition started at 50 mM potassium chloride or sodium acetate, and at 1M the biosorption was completely blocked. 40 refs., 8 figs., 3 tabs.

• OSTI ID: 588682
• Journal Information: Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Vol. 61, Issue 3; Other Information: PBD: Dec 1996
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
55 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
BASIC STUDIES
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
BIOMASS
CADMIUM
COBALT
COPPER
LEAD
METALS
NICKEL
PH VALUE
PARTICLE SIZE
PARTICLES
UPTAKE
ZINC
ALGAE
ADSORPTION
CHEMICAL EFFLUENTS
INDUSTRIAL WASTES
EFFICIENCY
COST
WASTE WATER
LIQUID WASTES
BIOADSORBENTS
SORPTIVE PROPERTIES
SPECIFIC SURFACE AREA