Effects of Cadmium and Copper Biosorption on Chlorella vulgaris

Abstract

Changes in protein levels and lipid compositions in algal cells indicate the severity of stress related to toxic concentrations of heavy metals. In this study, the effects of exposure to cadmium and copper on Chlorella vulgaris and its capacity to remove metals were evaluated. The data revealed ion removal activity by microalgae under all treatments and different levels of protein expression after 48 h of exposure. Furthermore, we analyzed lipids contents to characterize them.

The Effect of Biomass (Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus armatus) Concentrations on Zn 2+ , Pb 2+ and Cd 2+ Biosorption from Zinc Smelting Wastewater

“…The literature and preliminary studies conducted by the authors showed that this is the proper time to reach equilibrium [3,5,19]. After that time the pH values were measured and afterwards the biomass was removed by filtration through a 0.45 µm membrane filter.…”

“…This situation is a result of industrial activities which are related to the population growth, urbanization and industrialization [1,2]. The toxic effect of heavy metals on the environment and living organisms is observed even at low concentrations, due to their accumulation in the food chain [3,4]. Thus, scientists focus on finding the proper method for such contamination removal.…”

“…They include precipitation, ion exchange, membrane separation, adsorption, electrochemical treatment, solvent extraction, evaporation and reverse osmosis. However, most of these processes are expensive and not environmentally friendly, since waste products and toxic sludge are produced, which have to be disposed [3][4][5][6][7][8]. Hence, the development of efficient and inexpensive methods for heavy metals removal may be crucial.…”

“…The use of biological material is a potential technology for heavy metals removal from industrial effluents, due to the low cost of the sorbent and environmentally friendly manner of the process [3,6]. Microorganisms which have been tested for active (bioaccumulation) or passive (biosorption) heavy metals accumulation include bacteria, algae, fungi or yeast [3,5,[9][10][11][12].…”

“…Microorganisms which have been tested for active (bioaccumulation) or passive (biosorption) heavy metals accumulation include bacteria, algae, fungi or yeast [3,5,[9][10][11][12]. Microalgae, as well as living or dead forms are being increasingly used as metal biosorbents [13][14][15].…”