Biosorption of Zn(II) from Seawater Solution by the Microalgal Biomass of Tetraselmis marina AC16-MESO.

Ronald Huarachi-Olivera,Carlos Riquelme,Jorge Valdés,María Teresa Mata

doi:10.3390/ijms222312799

Ronald Huarachi-Olivera, Carlos Riquelme + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222312799

Copy DOI

Abstract

Biosorption refers to a physicochemical process where substances are removed from the solution by a biological material (live or dead) via adsorption processes governed by mechanisms such as surface complexation, ion exchange, and precipitation. This study aimed to evaluate the adsorption of Zn2+ in seawater using the microalgal biomass of Tetraselmis marina AC16-MESO “in vivo” and “not alive” at different concentrations of Zn2+ (0, 5, 10, and 20 mg L−1) at 72 h. Analysis was carried out by using the Langmuir isotherms and by evaluating the autofluorescence from microalgae. The maximum adsorption of Zn2+ by the Langmuir model using the Qmax parameter in the living microalgal biomass (Qmax = 0.03051 mg g−1) was more significant than the non-living microalgal biomass of T. marine AC16-MESO (Qmax = 0.02297 mg g−1). Furthermore, a decrease in fluorescence was detected in cells from T. marina AC16-MESO, in the following order: Zn2+ (0 < 20 < 5 < 10) mg L−1. Zn2+ was adsorbed quickly by living cells from T. marine AC16-MESO compared to the non-living microalgal biomass, with a decrease in photosystem II activities from 0 to 20 mg L−1 Zn2+ in living cells.

Highlights

IntroductionMicroalgae have a broad spectrum of mechanisms (extracellular and intracellular) to cope with heavy metal toxicity [1]
AC16 MESO cultures, we saw a decrease in FV /FM from 0 to 20 mg L−1 Zn2+
Zn2+ adsorption capacity was more significant in living biomass than dead biomass of T. marina AC16 MESO microalgae

Summary

Introduction

Microalgae have a broad spectrum of mechanisms (extracellular and intracellular) to cope with heavy metal toxicity [1]. As well as proteins and peptides, are responsible for the metal-binding characteristics. Mechanisms such as extracellular adsorption, reduction, volatilization, complex formation, ion exchange, intracellular accumulation, chelation, and bio-methylation are involved in the bioremediation and biosorption of heavy metals [2]. Microalgae consume trace amounts of heavy metals such as boron (B), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), molybdenum (Mo), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) for the enzymatic processes and cell metabolism. Due to the hormesis phenomenon, low concentrations of toxic heavy metals can stimulate the growth and metabolism of microalgae [4].

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion