Biosorption Potential of Desmodesmus sp. for the Sequestration of Cadmium and Lead from Contaminated Water

Industrialization, urbanization, and natural processes have potentially accelerated the pace and level of heavy metals in the aquatic environment. Recently, modern strategies for heavy metal treatment in wastewater have received the specific attention of the scientific community. The present study aimed to assess the amorphous biomass of Desmodesmus sp. as a low-cost adsorbent to remove the cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) from aqueous solutions. It involved the optimization of pH, contact time, initial concentration of metal ions, and the dosage of biosorbent. Data collation revealed that an optimum contact time for both metals was 60 min, with an adsorption capacity of 63% for Cd and 66% for Pb. Different models were applied to the equilibrium data. The pseudo 2nd order described the best adsorption of Cd and Pb. The equilibrium data were computed with various isotherms. Langmuir isotherms better suit the adsorption of the above-mentioned metals. Hence, the maximum adsorption capacity of Desmodesmus sp. for Cd and Pb was 64.1 and 62.5 mg/g, respectively. The mechanism of biosorption was validated through a comparative FT-IR and Scanning Electron Microscopy of raw and metal-loaded algal biomass based on cell morphological changes. In order to study the reusability of adsorbent, adsorption-desorption of Cd and Pb ions was repeated three times using HCl. These results did not noticeably change in adsorption capacity during the three cycles. Using HCl (0.1 M), desorption of both metals was achieved up to 90% in three cycles. This work presented a long-term bioremediation approach for heavy metal pollutants in wastewater. This research could be seen as an interdisciplinary approach to large-scale heavy metal remediation. In addition, growing microalgae in wastewater produces animal feed and biodiesel. When compared to other conventional methods for environmental remediation and the manufacture of valuable products, the use of microalgae is a more efficient and cost-effective method.