Biosorption of lead(II) and copper(II) metal ions on Cladophora glomerata (L.) kutz. (Chlorophyta) algae:: Effect of algal surface modification

Heavy metals are present in some industrial effluents, being responsible for environmental pollution. Biosorption of heavy metals can be an effective method for the removal of heavy metal ions from wastewaters. In this study Pb(II) and Cu(II) biosorption by Cladophora glomerata algae was investigated in batch system from a binary mixture. The effects of some important parameters such as pH, initial concentration of heavy metals and modification of algae surface by heat/acid treatment on biosorption capacity was studied. The maximum biosorption capacity of Cladophora glomerata was 15.0mg/g at pH 5.0 for Cu( II) and 22.5 mg/g at pH 4.0 for Pb( II) metal ions. The biosorption capacity of Pb( II) and Cu( II) ions on the acid/heat-treated biomass was increased as 1.38 and 1.45 times than untreated form, respectively. The biosorption of Pb ( II) and Cu ( II) heavy metal ions on Cladophora glomerata appears to be an efficient and low cost alternative to be considered in industrial wastewater treatment.