The immobilization ofArthrospira platensisbiomass in different matrices—A practical application for lead biosorption

Abstract

The biosorption of lead by cyanobacteria (Arthrospira platensis) immobilized in different matrices was studied. This was the first time that sodium alginate, silica gel and agarose beads have been used for the removal of lead from solutions of the metal in concentrations ranging from 50 to 500 mg/L. The effect of pH in the range 4.0 to 5.5 on lead removal was also investigated. For the best biosorbent chosen from those mentioned above, lead biosorption in samples of real wastewater was examined. The maximum biosorption capacities (q) for cells immobilized in alginate, agarose and silica gel were 424.99 ± 16.73, 272.66 ± 7.54 and 2.68 ± 0.25 mg Pb/g dry matter of biosorbent, respectively. The initial pH of the solution as well as initial Pb(II) concentration had an influence on metal uptake. The highest lead sorption by alginate and agarose immobilized cells was reported at pH 5 and at initial lead concentration of 500 mg/L, while sorption by silica immobilized cells was the most effective at pH 4 and initial concentration of 100 mg Pb(II)/L. The reported lead uptake (about 165 mg/g dry weight) by cyanobacterial cells entrapped in sodium alginate was higher in real wastewater than in simulated wastewater of the same initial lead concentration. The results revealed that this new biosorbent system can be a promising candidate for eliminating Pb(II) from wastewater, and more detailed research should be carried out.

Application of principal component analysis for the optimisation of lead(II) biosorption

“…According to Chen and Pan ( 2005a ) who carried out the research involving living cells of Arthrospira platensis , the biomass removed lead from solutions at concentrations below 10 mg/l. Moreover, in our previous study (Duda-Chodak et al 2013 ), we successfully conducted biosorption at higher lead concentrations by engaging immobilised cyanobacterium biomass and at the same time we demonstrated that free cells of Arthrospira platensis survived for at least 24 h in solutions containing up to 100 mg Pb/l regardless the pH of solutions. Therefore, we decided to continue the research involving living cells of A. platensis for lead biosorption.…”

Reductive activity of free and immobilized cells of cyanobacteria toward oxophosphonates—comparative study

“…This results in destabilization of the structure, leading to leakage of algal cells (Hertzberg and Jensen 1989 ). To avoid this problem, the Spirulina medium was replaced by distilled water, such as in the case of the alginate-entrapped cells of S. platensis used in biosorption processes (Duda-Chodak et al 2013 ). The structure of the matrixes was stable; however, the release of photosynthetic pigments was observed, indicating cell damage.…”