Column mode removal of copper through physically entrapped algal bioadsorbents

Abstract

A polyurethane column with physically entrapped algal materials has been designed and tested for copper removal from aqueous medium. The performance of the column is assessed on the basis of the parameters viz. bio-removal efficiency, metal sequestered in the column and bio-sorption capacity. The findings show that the combination of calcium alginate and <i>S. platensis</i> exhibit highest bio-removal efficiency (38.42%) for Cu(II) in the concentration range 5-20 mg L^-1. The maximum bio-sorption capacity (80.30 mg/g) is recorded for a mixture of calcium alginate and <i>S. platensis</i> after 60 min treatment time. FTIR analysis of algal adsorbents show that the adsorption efficiency depended on the availability of negatively charged groups such as carboxylic and hydroxyl groups. The study concluded that the algal compounds and dried biomass of <i>S. platensis</i> are effective bio-adsorbents for the removal of Cu(II) from water.