Effects of anions on the biosorption of microelement cations by macroalga Enteromorpha prolifera in single- and multi-metal systems

Abstract

The results of research on the effects of anions on the biosorption of microelement cations by the edible marine macroalga Enteromorpha prolifera in single- and multi-metal systems are discussed in this paper. It was shown that the maximum biosorption capacity (q max) in a single-metal system of Co(II) ions decreased in the following sequence: Cl - (46.0 mg g -1) > SO 42- (42.8 mg g -1) > NO 3- (41.9 mg g -1). In multi-metal systems, in which the ratios of Cl -, NO 3-, and SO 42- were 0:0:4, 1:1:2, 3:0:1, and 4:0:0, there were clear differences among the biosorption capacities. In all the examined systems (other than the 0:0:4 system), inhibition of the binding of microelement cations by the macroalga was observed. In all the systems, the highest value of q max was obtained for Cu(II) cations; the value ranged from 31.9 mg g -1 in 0:0:4 (SO 42- only) to 18.2 mg g -1 in 4:0:0 (Cl - only). © 2012 Science China Press and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.