Algae Modified Alginate Beads for Improved Cd(II) Removal from Aqueous Solutions

Abstract

The aim of this research was to synthesize alginate beads. The beads were modified with a mixture of three different species of algae. Both synthesized beads were evaluated for the efficiency of Cd(II) removal from aqueous solutions as one of the currently most sustainable metal removal methods. The focus was on the characterization of synthesized beads and their stability. The characterization was performed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The specific surface area was determined. Cd(II) ion standard solutions were brought into contact with unmodified and modified beads. The experimental results showed that the most influential factors on biosorption are pH value and temperature. The maximum biosorption of Cd(II) ions was achieved at 181.0 mg/g. Kinetic and thermodynamic studies were carried out. The data obtained followed pseudo-second-order kinetics.