Multi-cation biosorption by chlorella kessleri

Abstract This paper discusses the biosorption in a multi-cation system as an example of advances in the method of ions removal/binding to the biomass. Biosorption experiments were conducted on Chlorella kessleri biomass. The ions used in the experiment were Co(II), Cu(II), Mn(II) and Zn(II) and had the following configurations: binary, ternary and quaternary system. Also, the effect of the following anions Cl-, NO3 -, SO4 2- on the biosorption process in the quaternary system (initial concentration of each ion was 0−300 mg L-1) was examined. The affinity order determined in the experiment was as follows: Cu(II)>Zn(II)>Mn(II)>Co(II). At higher concentrations of Cu(II) cations, the strong competition effect between Cu(II) cations with the remaining cations was observed. The modified Langumir competition model was proposed to support the biosorption method in the description of the experimental data of inhibited metal ions biosorption. After the influence of anions was examined, the highest total biosorption capacity was obtained for 1:1:2 system (Cl-: NO3 - : SO4 2-).