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. 2018 Sep 7;8(1):13456.
doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-31660-7.

Biosorption optimization, characterization, immobilization and application of Gelidium amansii biomass for complete Pb2+ removal from aqueous solutions

Noura El-Ahmady El-Naggar  1 , Ragaa A Hamouda  2 , Ibrahim E Mousa  3 , Marwa S Abdel-Hamid  2 , Nashwa H Rabei  2
Affiliations

Biosorption optimization, characterization, immobilization and application of Gelidium amansii biomass for complete Pb2+ removal from aqueous solutions

Noura El-Ahmady El-Naggar et al. Sci Rep. .

Abstract

Lead (Pb2+) is among the most toxic heavy metals even in low concentration and cause toxicity to human's health and other forms of life. It is released into the environment through different industrial activities. The biosorption of Pb2+ from aqueous solutions by biomass of commonly available, marine alga Gelidium amansii was studied. The effects of different variables on Pb2+ removal were estimated by a two-level Plackett-Burman factorial design to determine the most significant variables affecting Pb2+ removal % from aqueous solutions. Initial pH, Pb2+ concentration and temperature were the most significant factors affecting Pb2+ removal chosen for further optimization using rotatable central composite design. The maximum removal percentage (100%) of Pb2+ from aqueous solution by Gelidium amansii biomass was found under the optimum conditions: initial Pb2+ concentration of 200 mg/L, temperature 45 °C, pH 4.5, Gelidium amansii biomass of 1 g/L and contact time of 60 minutes at static condition. FTIR analysis of algal biomass revealed the presence of carbonyl, methylene, phosphate, carbonate and phenolic groups, which are involved in the Pb2+ ions biosorption process. SEM analysis demonstrates the ability of Gelidium amansii biomass to adsorb and removes Pb2+ from aqueous solution. EDS analysis shows the additional optical absorption peak corresponding to the Pb2+ which confirms the involvement of Gelidium amansii biomass in the adsorption of Pb2+ ions from aqueous solution. Immobilized Gelidium amansii biomass was effective in Pb2+ removal (100%) from aqueous solution at an initial concentration of 200 mg/L for 3 h. In conclusion, it is demonstrated that the red marine alga Gelidium amansii biomass is a promising, efficient, ecofriendly, cost-effective and biodegradable biosorbent for the removal of Pb2+ from the environment and wastewater effluents.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Estimated effects of independent variables on Pb2+ removal by Gelidium amansii biomass using Plackett-Burman design “the red color represents the most significant independent variables affecting Pb2+ removal”.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The normal probability plot of the residuals for Pb2+ removal by Gelidium amansii biomass determined by the first-order polynomial equation.
Figure 3
Figure 3
3D response surface and contour plots of the effects of pH (X1), Pb2+ concentration (X2) and temperature (X3) and their mutual effects on Pb2+ removal by Gelidium amansii biomass.
Figure 4
Figure 4
FTIR of Gelidium amansii biomass: (A) before Pb2+ ions biosorption; (B) after Pb2+ ions biosorption from aqueous solution.
Figure 5
Figure 5
SEM micrograph of Gelidium amansii biomass: (A) before and (B) after adsorption of Pb2+ ions from aqueous solution.
Figure 6
Figure 6
EDS analysis for Gelidium amansii biomass (A) before Pb2+ ions biosorption; (B) after Pb2+ ions biosorption from aqueous solution.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Immobilization of Gelidium amansii biomass in alginate beads and its application in Pb2+ removal from aqueous solution. (A) Sodium alginate beads without incorporation of the algal biomass; (B) Separating funnel packed with immobilized Gelidium amansii biomass in sodium alginate beads.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Application of immobilized Gelidium amansii biomass in Pb2+ removal from aqueous solution.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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