Biosorption of Boron from Industrial Wastewater by Green Algae Spirogyra sp.

Abstract

Introduction: Increasing the concentration of Boron in drinking water, wastewater, and irrigation have negative effects on the human environment. This pollution can be partially removed by the application of phytoremediation technologies using algae or aquatic plants. The aim of the current study was to determine the biosorption capacity of the algae Spirogyra sp. for Boron from industrial wastewater and examine the best elimination conditions using different parameters.
 Materials and Methods: In this study, 100 g of fresh algal biomass was collected from the industrial wastewater of a copper mine located in Kerman, Iran.
 At first, algae was selected among various algal species concerning abundance and resistance ability to high concentrations of Boron. Then, removal of Boron by the algal was examined in terms of algae biomass levels (2 and 4 gr), incubation time intervals (2, 12. 24. 48, and 72 hours), and different concentrations of Boron (5, 10, 15, 25, and 100 ppm) on the were examined. The experiment was factorial with a completely randomized design framework and three replications.
 Results: The results presented that the elimination of Boron from industrial wastewater was performed by biomass of algae Spirogyra sp. The maximum Boron absorption was achieved at concentrations of 5 ppm and an incubation time of 12 hours. The absorption of Boron was higher in 4 gr than in 2 gr of algae biomass treatment.
 Conclusion: It can be concluded that algae Spirogyra sp. has a strong potential for boron removal in industrial wastewater containing boron ions.