Alginic Acid Content Research Articles

Enhanced Yield of Sodium Alginate Extracted fromPadina gymnosporaUsing a Greener Microwave and Ultrasound Hybrid System

AbstractIn this study, alginate was extracted fromPadina gymnospora(PG) by applying the sequential combination of microwaves followed by ultrasounds (at low power and amplitude settings) using an organic acid pre‐treatment. The optimum alginate yield was investigated by varying the type of acid (oxalic and formic) and seaweed particle size range (0.295–0.495 and 0.146–0.246 mm). The extracted sodium alginate was then characterised in terms of FTIR,1H‐NMR, M/G ratio, viscosity and colour. The synergistic effect of the microwave‐ultrasound hybrid system for short timeframes (15 min each) successfully improved the alginate yield without compromising its structural composition, while allowing for a milder and greener organic acid to be used for the acid pre‐treatment. The highest alginate yield (~64 %) was obtained using formic acid and the smaller particle size range (0.146–0.246 mm). The latter thus highlights the importance of particle size reduction and optimisation. FTIR, NMR and viscosity analyses revealed a low guluronic acid content of alginate with a high M/G ratio (7.7±1.0–9.3±0.1) and low viscosity (2.92±0.09–3.05±0.06 cP), which was found to be inherent to the species used. The proposed novel method therefore opens prospects for the industry since it is both environmentally and economically sustainable.

A novel, validated, eco-friendly, and cost-effective rp-HPLC method for the determination of alginic acid content in seaweed, seaweed formulations, and other higher plant extracts

<div><p>Alginic acid products are widely used in all fields, and the main source of alginic acid is seaweed. Alginic acid varies in various varieties of seaweed, plant parts, season to season, and the temperature of the water in which it is grown. The content of alginic acid also varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, as it depends on the process of extraction. No full-proof method for quantification is available. As alginic acid became a point of concern for regulators, a robust method for quantifying alginic acid became a prime requirement. As seaweed is only considered a source of alginic acid, essential amino acids, and nonessential amino acids, other sources need to be identified to overcome future needs and maintain biodiversity. The author succeeds in identifying another source of alginic acid, nutrients, and amino acids, i.e., <em>Chromolaena odorata</em> leaf extract, which contains about 5 to 6% alginic acid and 30 to 40% amino acids and proteins. A novel RP-HPLC method was found to be simple, suitable, and robust for the determination of alginic acid content in seaweed extract, its formulations, and also in phytoextracts (<em>Chromolaena odorata</em> leaf extract). The alginic acid content in seaweed and the formulated product quantified shows 10.05 ± 0.1% and 1.0 ± 0.03%, respectively, and is in close agreement with the declared content. Various authors have used gravimetric, colorimetric, titrimetric, and HPLC methods, each with their own limitations. The novel method is simple in terms of sensitivity, eco-friendly mobile phase, regular HPLC column and detector, lowest retention time (rapid analysis), and no internal standard required.</p></div>

Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Alginate Extracted from Sargassum sp

Scientists have proved alginate which is extracted from brown seaweed, to be able to reduce blood glucose levels in mice. These results indicate that alginate has health benefits. Sargassum sp. is a brown seaweed growing wildly in Indonesian waters and is considered a prospective source of alginate to be developed and used for various purposes. This study aimed to explore the potency of alginate production using Sargassum sp. as raw material, particularly to reveal the physical and chemical properties of alginate obtained. Alginate was extracted using a method developed by Ref. [1]. During the extraction process, alginate yield was determined. The alginate was analyzed for physical parameters (whiteness degree and viscosity) and chemical parameters (moisture content, acid insoluble ash content, ash content, fat content, and protein content). Results showed that the yield of alginate was 20.30%. The whiteness degree and viscosity values of alginate were -31.53 and 47.25 cPs, respectively. At the same time, the moisture content, insoluble acid content, ash content, fat content, and protein content of alginate were 11.76%, 2.28%, 27.55%, 0.18%, and 0.76%, correspondingly. The alginate was classified as low viscosity and suitable for processing various foods, including functional food, by taking the health benefits of alginate.

Технология и качество фитоконфет из ламинарии японской

The developed technology of producing phyto-candies from Japanese kelp provides the high organoleptic characteristics, nutritional and biological values of the products. The phyto-candy formulations contain 60% kelp, 14% honey, dried fruits (apricots, prunes, dates, mangoes). Preliminary kelp heat treatment, including threefold short-term kelp boiling sessions at 85-95 °C, provides a dense but not rigid kelp structure. Adding 2% of citric acid at the second boiling session helps to remove the pronounced taste and smell of algae. Under processing kelp slightly loses moisture. It has been found that fresh kelp contains 94.5% of water before treatment; after treatment the amount 
 of water in it is 90.6-91.3%. In pretreatment kelp slightly loses the mineral substances, the amount of which after processing makes 1.31%. Under heat treatment the amount of mannitol in luminaria decreases almost twice, nevertheless 7.74% of mannitol remains. Adding a citric acid to the boiling water during kelp processing causes the increase 
 of alginic acids in it. In the fresh kelp the alginic acid content was 27.44%, and after processing - 33.87%. The relative biological value of phyto-candies produced from Japanese kelp varies within 70.8-78.2% depending on the formulation. The maximum increase in Tetrahymena pyriformis infusoria and a higher relative biological value were observed in phyto-candies prepared according to the formulations including dried apricots and prunes. When storing phyto-sweets from Japanese kelp at 0-6 °C and humidity of 75% during 9 months, the number of mesophilic aerobic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms did not exceed the maximum permissible norms and varied within 0.1 ∙ 101 CFU/g at the beginning of storage - 4.9 ∙ 104 CFU/g at the end of the storage period. Bacteria of the E. coli group, S. aureus, mold, or yeast were not detected.

Extraction, Physicochemical Characterization and Pharmacological Evaluation of Alginate from a Mediterranean Species of Brown Algae Dictyopteris membranaceae

Brown seaweeds have attracted the attention of research. Alginates, one of the components of brown seaweed, are the subject of our study. In this work, we present the extraction, the physico-chemical characterization and the pharmacological evaluation of alginate from the brown seaweed Dictyopteris membranaceae. The extraction of alginates from brown seaweed was conducted using Rioux et al. method with few modifications. The characterization of alginates was then preceded by infra-red spectroscopy. The content of different components was determined using Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. Molecular properties were determined using size exclusion chromatography. The results of our study showed that the yield of extraction of alginate from Dictyopteris membranacea is 7% of dry weight. Protein, total sugar and alginic acid content were determined using colorimetric assays. The results are comparable to those reported in literature. The infra-red spectrum confirmed the nature of our extract. The molecular weight is 77823 Daltons. Additionally, our extract presented a higher gastroprotective activity at 200mg/Kg than sucralfate administered at the same dose. Our results suggest that alginate from Dictyopteris membranaceae could be used as a gastroprotective agent.

Designing of pH-responsive ketorolac tromethamine loaded hydrogels of alginic acid: Characterization, in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation

pH-responsive hydrogels based on alginic acid grafted with acrylic acid and ethylene glycol dimethylacrylate in the presence of ammonium persulfate were developed for controlled delivery of Ketorolac tromethamine. The alginic acid based hydrogels were prepared by free radical polymerization technique. Increase in gel fraction was observed with the increase in alginic acid, acrylic acid, and ethylene glycol dimethylacrylate content. The dynamic swelling and drug release studies were conducted at two different pH values (pH 1.2 and 7.4). Maximum swelling and drug release were observed at pH 7.4. The characterization of prepared hydrogels was carried out by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, powder x-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. Similarly, in-vivo study was performed on rabbits and greater plasma drug concentration was achieved by fabricated hydrogels as compared to drug solution and commercial product Keten. Conclusively, the fabricated hydrogels can be considered as a potential candidate for controlled delivery of Ketorolac tromethamine.

Seaweed effects on plant growth and environmental remediation: a review

Seaweeds are plants found in sea that have tremendous applications in the fields of agriculture and environment. It comprises of three giant classes with a large number of different species. their ability to adopt to various conditions qualifies them more applicable to various environmental and agricultural arena. Agriculturally, both three classes Phaeophyta, Rhodophyta and Chlorophyta, have significant roles in promoting plant growth and productivity and soil protection as well as reclamation with class Phaeophyta has highest contribution due to its alginic acid content and other multifaceted components that are higher followed by Rhodophyta and Chlorophyta. Seaweed (living or dead biomass) has ability to phycoremediate environment against heavy toxic metals and lessen the excessiveness of non-metal inorganic elements via physisorption, chemisorption with the aid of binding sites provided by proteins and carbohydrates functional groups existing in their cell walls and secretion of organic acids and intracellular transformation and accumulation. Seaweed is an important factor in environmental remediation and soil restoration processes.

Microwave-assisted extraction of sodium alginate from brown macroalgae Nizimuddinia zanardini, optimization and physicochemical properties

ABSTRACT In this study, sodium alginate was isolated from Nizimuddinia zanardini by microwave-assisted extraction method. A Box–Behnken design (BBD) was applied to study the effect of temperature (45–75°C), time (10–30 min), microwave power (300–500 W), and solvent/ biomass ratio (10–30 mL/g) on the extraction yield (EY) and uronic acid content (UA) of sodium alginate. The extracted sodium alginate was assessed for its chemical compositions, antioxidant activity, emulsifying index, and intrinsic viscosity. EY at optimal conditions (temperature of 67°C, microwave power of 400 W, and solvent/biomass ratio of 29 mL/g after 19 min) was 31.39% (w/w). The protein, carbohydrate, total phenolic, and UA content of sodium alginate obtained at optimal conditions were about 1.00, 73.30, 1.62, and 62.33%, respectively. The emulsifying index (E24) of sodium alginate extracted by microwave (SA-MW) with sunflower oil (64.41%) and olive oil (67.25%) was higher than sodium alginate extracted by the conventional method (SA-CN) (55.00% and 58.49%, respectively).

Ecofriendly renewable hydrogels based on whey protein and for slow release of fertilizers and soil conditioning

Hydrogels show potential in agriculture for overcoming issues associated with conventional fertilizers and irrigation. A combination of hydrogels and fertilizers would limit the loss of fertilizer and curb environmental impact, especially for nitrogen-based compounds, in addition to diminishing the frequency of irrigation. A set of renewable hydrogels, based on a mixture of whey proteins and alginic acid were developed as a soil conditioner and for sustained release of the urea fertilizer. Four separate formulations were prepared from different proteins at a polysaccharide ratio of 1%–10% w/w (with respect to protein content). The hydrogels were prepared by a heat-set process, applying calcium chloride as the cross-linking agent. The fertilizer was loaded into the hydrogel during the preparation stage to heighten loading efficiency. Investigation was made into the impact of alginic acid content on morphology, swelling behaviour - encompassing repeated swelling-drying cycles, and water retention in soil under different pH conditions. The loading capacity and release of urea from the hydrogels were studied, and the data processed in accordance with a mathematical model to discern any correlation between the structure of the hydrogel, the presence of alginic acid and the release mechanism. The results demonstrate how adding alginic acid promotes possible utilization of the whey protein hydrogel in agriculture.

Исследование влияния ферментации сахарины японской на химический состав комбикормов для молоди трепанга

Enzymatic processing of laminaria Saccharina japonica by industrial enzymes of proteolytic, mixed and amylolytic (cellulosolytic) action (CelloLux-F, Viscoflu MG, Allzyme РТ, Allzyme Vegpro, and Allzyme BG) is investigated. Alginase activity of enzyme preparations was measured by spectrophotometry with an anthrone reagent. Chemical composition of algae and fodder was determined by standard research methods. Total content of nitrogenous substances in the raw materials was determined by Kjeldahl method on the Kjeltec auto 10 SO Analyzer (Tecator, Japan). Alginic acid content was determined by titration method. Total lipid content was determined by Blight-Dayer method. The content of easily hydrolysable polysaccharides was determined by titration according to Bertrand. In the experiment, CelloLux-F had the highest alginase activity and Allzyme РТ had the lowest activity. Activity of other enzymes lowered in the order: Viscoflu MG > Allzyme BG > Allzyme Vegpro. The alginase activity of enzyme preparations determines their concentrations necessary for hydrolysis. Following to recommendations of the enzyme preparations manufacturers and cited information on their usage, the raw alga materials was processed during 6 hours under pH 6, gm 1 : 10-1 : 12 and temperature 55 о C and 60 о C. Under the processing, the main changes occur in quantitative composition of carbohydrates, namely the alginic acid content is reduced in 17.2-25.3 %, the fiber content is reduced in 38.5-74.0 % and the amount of easily hydrolyzable carbohydrates is increased in 2.7-3.7 times. Degree of the polysaccharides hydrolysis after processing with different enzyme preparations has lowered in the order: Allzyme BG (36.9 %) > CelloLux-F (35.5 %) > Allzyme Vegpro (34.6 %) > Viscoflu MG. The fermented algae were introduced into the mixed fodder formula. Using the processed alga instead of natural one allows to increase the content of easily hydrolyzable polysaccharides and to decrease the content of high-molecular polysaccharides as alginic acid and cellulose. Food efficiency of the mixed fodder was examined by biological testing with using pigmented sea cucumber juveniles with weigh 40-90 mg as the test-objects; the testing was conducted on the basis of aquaculture research complex Zapovednoe in the Kievka Bay (northwestern Japan Sea). The mixed fodder with natural laminaria from the Kiyevka Bay was used as a control in examination. Value of the mixed fodder was estimated by gain in body weight of test-objects. The tests showed the 3-5 times higher gains of the sea cucumber juveniles fed by the mixed fodder with fermented laminaria in compare with the control mixed fodder based on unprocessed algae.

Nutrient composition and content of various biological active compounds of three South African-based commercial seaweed biostimulants

Positive results reported in commercial agriculture following the application of seaweed (kelp) products vary from root growth stimulation to increased disease resistance. The described impact of seaweed applications is mostly reliant on the specific species of seaweed used, the prevalent environmental growing conditions, together with the extraction and formulation protocol implemented in the production of the commercial extracts. These possible variables alone or in combination may lead to inconsistencies in efficacy between different commercial seaweed products, especially under field conditions. In this paper, we quantify selected active components in three different, but apparently similar, commercial seaweed products manufactured from Ecklonia maxima which could impact on biological activity, following application as evaluated for mung bean root growth. Significantly higher P and N concentrations were found both in Afrikelp® and Basfoliar® Kelp compared to Kelpak®. These elevated mineral nutrient concentrations indicate possible enrichment of these products, as they exceed the natural nutrient element concentrations in the freshly milled E. maxima prior to formulation. Kelpak® showed higher concentrations of Ca, Mg and K compared to Afrikelp® and Basfoliar® Kelp, but lower levels were reported to occur naturally in freshly minced seaweed from E. maxima. Concentrations of mannitol, uronic acid and neutral sugars together with alginic acid content were significantly higher in Kelpak® than in Afrikelp® and Basfoliar® Kelp. Similarly, mung bean root growth stimulation was significantly higher in Kelpak® than in Afrikelp® and Basfoliar® Kelp. This study showed that commercial seaweed products, manufactured from the same seaweed source such as E. maxima, and thus generally marketed as equivalent products, may vary significantly in product composition and thus in efficacy to induce specific plant responses following application, when manufactured by different companies. Distinct differences in harvesting and manufacturing protocols place an obligation on the end user to ensure that the composition of the product of choice is well aligned with the specific plant response required.

A novel alginate quantification method using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for pretreatment of Saccharina japonica

A new analysis method for alginate quantification in the brown alga, Saccharina japonica, was developed and evaluated. In this method, (1) alginate was treated with Na2CO3; (2) the alginate-derived compound in the hydrolysate was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); and then, (3) one of the HPLC peaks was selected and used to establish the standard calibration curve to estimate the intact alginate content in the raw material. The results obtained using the new method were verified by the Kennedy and Bradshaw method, which confirmed that the new method can be an effective method for the estimation of the alginate content in S. japonica. An experimental equation was developed to estimate the alginic acid concentration in the hydrolysate obtained from Na2CO3 treatment of the model compound (Sigma Na-alginate) at various reaction conditions on the basis of the correlation between estimated alginic acid contents and combined severity factors (CSF). The statistical analysis confirmed that the equation gave consistent results, i.e., approximately 81 % of the test groups lie within <±10 % standard deviation of the mean.

넓미역의 영양성분 및 항산화 활성

The proximate composition, free amino acid composition and mineral contents from Undariopsis peterseniana were determined, and the antioxidant activities of ethanol (EtOH) and hot water extracts of U. peterseniana were investigated using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2- azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)) radical scavenging effects and reducing power. The contents of moisture, ash, protein, lipid and carbohydrate were 12.5%, 23.1%, 9.7%, 0.2% and 54.5%, respectively, and alginic acid content was 12.3%. The major free amino acid contents were alanine, phenylalanine, aminoethanol, valine, glutamic acid and phosphoserine. Ca (1589.1 mg) was the largest mineral followed by Na (344.6 mg), Mg (74.3 mg), Zn (10.2 mg) and Fe (1.5 mg). The total phenolic contents of EtOH and hot water extracts were exhibited at 15.7 and 4.3 mg GAE/g sample, respectively. The antioxidant activity of EtOH extract exhibited strong ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities with reducing power, and hot water extract also demonstrated strong ABTS radical scavenging effects. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that U. peterseniana contained an abundance of naturally occurring nutrients (free amino acids and minerals), and the strong antioxidant activities of EtOH and hot water extracts from U. peterseniana could be good sources of natural antioxidants for healthcare products.

해조분말 추출물의 건조방법에 따른 품질 및 항산화 특성

This study was designed to compare the quality characteristics of spray-dried (SD) and freeze-dried (FD) powders prepared with hot water extracts of sea mustard (Undraia pinnatifada) and sea tangle (Laminaria longissima). The moisture content of FD seawed was lower than that of SD, and sea mustard had a higher overall moisture content than sea tangle. The alginic acid content of SD seaweed was significantly higher than that of FD seaweed for both species. There were relatively higher contents of phenolic compounds in SD powders than in FD powders. DPPH radical scavenging ability was significantly greater in SD seaweed, and also, SOD-like activity in SD powders was higher than those of FD powders. However, the nitrite scavenging activity of FD powders of sea mustard (10 mg/mL) was higher than that of SD. In conclusion, spray-dried sea mustard and sea tangle extracts exhibited higher physiological functionalities than their freeze-dried counterparts.

추출방법을 달리한 미역 및 다시마 과립차의 품질 및 항산화 특성

This study was conducted to evaluate the quality and anti-oxidant characteristics of different granule tea variants (WSMGT: granule tea prepared from sea mustard hot water extract; ASMGT: granule tea prepared from sea mustard autoclave extract; WSTGT: granule tea prepared from sea tangle hot water extract; and ASTGT: granule tea prepared from sea tangle autoclave extract) from sea tangle and sea mustard powder. The Color of WSTGT showed the highest , values, and the lowest value. The water absorption binding agents in ASMGT were higher than those in WSMGT, WSTGT. and ASTGT. Binding agents on water absorption in ASMGT were higher than those of WSMGT, WSTGT, and ASTGT. The alginic acid content of ASMGT was highest. The total polyphenol and total flavonoid contents of ASMGT and ASTGT were highest. The electron donating ability and ferrous ion chelating activity in WSTGT greatly increased compared to those in the other granules tea variants. These results suggest that pressure extraction can be used in functional foods.

Brown seaweed species from Strangford Lough: compositional analyses of seaweed species and biostimulant formulations by rapid instrumental methods

The aims of this study were to characterise the composition of five seaweed species (Ascophyllum nodosum, Fucus serratus, Fucus vesiculosus, Laminaria hyperborea and Sargassum muticum), their extracts and commercial formulations, using thermogravimetry (TGA), energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). Analyses of the samples by TGA and EDX provided information on the proportions of algal cell wall, inorganic fractions and minerals. The main carbohydrate constituents of the five species and extracts were identified by their pyrolysis products, e.g. 1-(2-furanyl) ethanone, 5-methyl-2-furcarboxaldehyde, 2-hydroxy-3-methyl-2-cyclopenten-1-one, diannhydromannitol, 1,6-anhydromannopyranose and 1,6-anhydromannofuranose, using Py-GC/MS. The differences in relative intensities of the infrared bands of the five species were enhanced, especially after acid extraction compared with alkaline or neutral treatments, resulting in improved understanding of the compositional changes. In addition four commercial formulations and two acidic extracts of A. nodosum were evaluated for composition using the techniques. The dry matter, pH, electrical conductivity, ash, carbon and nitrogen content of the six preparations showed significant differences in composition. Variations in fatty acid, alginic acid, mannitol, laminarin and fucoidan content of the six formulations were reported. The results have shown that TGA, EDX, Py-GC/MS and FTIR are complementary techniques for rapid evaluation of seaweed materials and products.

Comparative Study of Polysaccharides from Reproductive and Sterile Tissues of Five Brown Seaweeds

Sterile and reproductive tissues of five brown algae (Sargassum pallidum, Silvetia babingtonii, Fucus evanescens, Saccharina japonica, and Alaria ochotensis) from Russian Far East seas were compared for the content and monosaccharide composition of fucoidans as well as the content of laminarans and alginic acids. It was proved that reproduction has an apparent effect on fucoidan content and its monosaccharide composition. Fucoidan content in fertile tissues was shown to be 1.3-1.5 times as high as in sterile ones. Based on the present and previously reported data, we believe that fucoidan accumulation during the development of reproductive structure is a general trend for brown seaweeds. Reproduction also caused changes in the monosaccharide composition. As a result, fertile plants synthesized fucoidan with less heterogeneous monosaccharide composition in comparison with sterile ones. Structural changes of this polysaccharide are species-specific and perhaps depend on the type of the synthesized polysaccharide. The fertile plants of S. babingtonii yielded the highest fucoidan content [25% dry weight (dw)] among the tested species, whereas the maximum alginic acid content was found for the sterile tissues of S. japonica-up to 43% dw. There was no general trend in alginic acid content variation during sporulation. The alginic acid content was much higher in the sterile tissues of S. japonica in comparison with the fertile ones. On the contrary, the fertile tissues of A. ochotensis contained more alginic acid than the sterile ones.

Poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)-enhanced crossflow filtration of Fe(III), Cu(II) and Cd(II) ions using alginic acid/cellulose composite membranes

Removal of Fe(III), Cu(II) and Cd(II) ions from aqueous solutions was studied by polymer-enhanced crossflow filtration. Poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) was used as complexing agent to enhance the retention. Alginic acid (AA)/cellulose composite membranes were used in the separation. The effects of AA content of the membranes and pH of the solution on the retention efficiency and the permeate flux were examined. Maximum retention efficiency was found as 93% for 1×10–4 M Fe(III) solutions at a flow velocity of 100 mL/min, pH of 3.0, pressure of 10 kPa in the presence of PVP by using 0.50 (w/v)% AA/cellulose composite membranes whereas for 1×10–4 M Cu(II) and Cd(II) solutions the maximum retention efficiencies were found as 98% and 81% respectively at pH 7.0.

Crossflow filtration of iron(III), copper(II), and cadmium(II) aqueous solutions with alginic acid/cellulose composite membranes

AbstractThe removal of Fe(III), Cu(II), and Cd(II) ions from aqueous solutions was investigated with a crossflow filtration technique. Alginic acid (AA)/cellulose composite membranes were used for retention. In the filtration of Fe(III) solutions, the effects of the crossflow velocity, applied pressure, AA content of the membranes, and pH on the retention percentage and the permeate flux were examined. The maximum retention percentage was found to be 89% for a 1 × 10−4M Fe(III) solution at the flow velocity of 100 mL/min and the pressure of 60 kPa with 0.50% (w/v) AA/cellulose composite membranes at pH 3. Aqueous solutions of Cu(II) and Cd(II) were filtered at the flow velocity of 100 mL/min and pressure of 10 kPa. The effects of the AA content of the membranes and pH of the waste medium on the retention percentage and the permeate flux were determined. For 1 × 10−4M Cu(II) and Cd(II) solutions, the maximum retention percentages were found to be 94 and 75%, respectively, at pH 7 with 0.50% (w/v) AA/cellulose composite membranes. When metal‐ion mixtures were used, the retention percentages of Fe(III), Cu(II), and Cd(II) were found to be 89, 48, and 10%, respectively, at pH 3 with 0.50% (w/v) AA/cellulose composite membranes. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010

Polymer-Enhanced Crossflow Filtration for Removal of Fe(III), Cu(II), and Cd(II) Ions from Dilute Aqueous Solutions

The removal of Fe(III), Cu(II), and Cd(II) ions from aqueous solutions was studied by polymer-enhanced crossflow filtration technique. Alginic acid polymer was used as complexing agents to enhance the retention. Alginic acid/cellulose composite membranes were used in the filtration. In the filtration of metal ion solutions the effects of alginic acid content of the membranes and pH on the percent retention and the permeate flux were examined. The maximum percent retention was found as 98% for 1 × 10−4 M Fe(III) solution at the flow velocity of 100 mL/min, pH of 3.0, pressure of 60 kPa in the presence of alginic acid as complexing agent by using 0.25 (w/v)% alginic acid/cellulose composite membranes. For 1 × 10−4 M Cu(II) and Cd(II) solutions the maximum percent retentions were found as 71% and 80% respectively using 0.50 (w/v)% Alginic acid/cellulose composite membranes when the filtration was carried out in the presence of alginic acid at pressure of 10 kPa, flow velocity of 100 mL/min and pH of 7.0.