(180v) Biosorption of Heavy Metal Ions from Industrial Wastewater Using Spirulina Sp.

Heavy metal contamination is a growing concern due to industrialization, and while traditional methods like ion exchange, precipitation, and membranes are limited by cost and efficiency, biosorption offers a more economic and eco-friendlier alternative for wastewater treatment. Algae contains functional groups that facilitate metal adsorption through ion exchange, complexation, and electrostatic interactions. Studies show that certain algal species, such as Spirulina sp. demonstrate high removal efficiencies for heavy metals under optimized conditions, influenced by factors like pH, contact time, and metal concentration. This study investigated the potential of Spirulina sp. biomass for the removal of copper (Cu²⁺), nickel (Ni²⁺), and aluminum (Al³⁺) ions from industrial effluent. It explored the effect of contact time, biomass dosage, pH, and initial metal concentration on the removal efficiency. Results showed that the maximum biosorption efficiency was achieved within 120 minutes of contact time and an optimal biomass dosage and pH of 0.5 g/L and 5.5, respectively. Increasing the initial metal concentration led to a slight decline in removal efficiency, signifying the approach of equilibrium and the saturation of available adsorption sites. These findings demonstrate that Spirulina sp. biomass is a promising adsorption material for heavy metal removal, with chemisorption playing a dominant role in the adsorption process.