Bioprocessing optimization for efficient simultaneous removal of methylene blue and nickel by Gracilaria seaweed biomass

Abstract

The pollution of water by heavy metal ions and dyes, particularly from industrial effluents, has become a global environmental issue. Therefore, the treatment of wastewater generated from different industrial wastes is essential to restore environmental quality. The efficiency of Gracilaria seaweed biomass as a sustainable biosorbent for simultaneous bioremoval of Ni2+ and methylene blue from aqueous solution was studied. Optimization of the biosorption process parameters was performed using face-centered central composite design (FCCCD). The highest bioremoval percentages of Ni2+ and methylene blue were 97.53% and 94.86%; respectively, obtained under optimum experimental conditions: 6 g/L Gracilaria biomass, initial pH 8, 20 mg/L of methylene blue, 150 mg/L of Ni2+ and 180 min of contact time. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra demonstrated the presence of methyl, alkynes, amide, phenolic, carbonyl, nitrile and phosphate groups which are important binding sites involved in Ni2+ and methylene blue biosorption process. SEM analysis reveals the appearance of shiny large particles and layers on the biosorbent surface after biosorption that are absent before the biosorption process. In conclusion, it is demonstrated that the Gracilaria seaweed biomass is a promising, biodegradable, ecofriendly, cost-effective and efficient biosorbent for simultaneous bioremoval of Ni2+ and methylene blue from wastewater effluents.

Biostimulant Properties of Seaweed Extracts in Plants: Implications towards Sustainable Crop Production

“…Excessive contamination by pollutants can challenge their use for processing and extensive applications in agriculture. Therefore, technologies are being developed for clarification of pollutants prior to or after processing [ 177 , 178 ].…”

Equilibrium and Thermodynamic Investigation of Biosorption of Nickel from Water by Activated Carbon Made from Palm Kernel Chaff

“…Nickel is a naturally occurring heavy metal existing in various mineral forms and may be found throughout the environment including rivers, lakes, oceans, soil, air, drinking water, plants, and animals. Soil and sediment are the primary receptacles for nickel, but mobilization may occur depending on physico-chemical characteristics of the soil [2][3][4][5] . Nickel is used extensively in the electronic and metallurgical industries, specifically in electroplating, nickel-cadmium batteries, printed circuit boards, liquid crystal displays; and is emitted into the environment through anthropogenic sources such as fuel combustion, smelting, sewage and solid waste management and fertilizer application 1,[6][7][8][9] .…”

Biosorption of cationic Hg2+ and Remazol brilliant blue anionic dye from binary solution using Gelidium corneum biomass

“…The simultaneous biosorption process of dyes and heavy metals by algae could be affected by many operating process variables such as contact time, initial pH level, algal biomass dosage, initial metal and dye concentrations 25 , 26 . It is very important to optimize the operating process variables for the simultaneous biosorption process.…”

“…Dulla et al 24 documented that the biosorption capability of algae is mainly based on the presence of various functional groups of polysaccharides, proteins and lipids in algae cell walls including amino, carboxylic, hydroxyl and sulfate groups, which serve as adsorption sites for metal ions through a variety of mechanisms including ion exchange, electrostatic forces, and complexation. El-Naggar et al 25 , 26 and Hamouda et al 27 were able to successfully remove textile dyes and heavy metals using various types of algal biomass. Dead algal biomass has proven to be more appropriate as biosorbents than living cells because it requires no nutrients, can be stored and used for extended periods of time, and can be recovered with organic solvents or surfactants 28 .…”