Comparative Study of Cu(II) Ions Removal Using Red and Green Marine Algae Biomass as Biosorbents

Abstract

In this study, red (Callithamnion corymbosum sp.) and green (Ulva lactuca sp.) marine algae biomass were used as biosorbents for the removal of Cu(II) ions from aqueous solution. Both marine algae are available in large quantities in the Black Sea and can be raw materials for the preparation of biosorbents. The efficiency of these two biosorbents were tested as a function of initial Cu(II) ions concentration and contact time, at initial pH of 4.4 and 2 g/L biosorbent dose (established as optimal). Even if metal ions biosorption on both biosorbents follow the Langmuir model and the pseudo-second kinetic model, the values of the characteristic parameters show that red algae biomass are much more efficient in removing Cu(II) ions $(q_{\max}=75.76mg/g)$ than green algae biomass $(q_{\max}=\ 19.88\ mg/g)$. Thus, this study provides comprehensive data for the use of these marine algae biomass in decontamination processes of industrial effluents.