Abstract
The removal efficiency of algal biomass Chlamydomonas reinhardtii for Pb and Cu metal ions was evaluated in single and binary
metal systems. Biosorption experiments were performed in solutions containing 0.2 g L-1 of algal biomass at 30oC and pH 6.
Initial metal ion concentrations ranged from 10-7 M to 10-6 M. Thermal analysis of the biosorbent indicated that algal cells are
composed of groups containing C, H, N, and S. The presence of ionisable functional groups responsible for biosorption of metal
ions on algal cells was confirmed by FT-IR analysis. Biosorption of lead seems to be more sensitive toward modification in
carboxyl groups than amino groups, while copper showed the opposite trend. Under studied conditions, the removal efficiency of
algal cells for Cu is higher than for Pb in single monometallic systems. Biosorption of copper and lead seems to occur at
independent binding sites on the surface of algal biomass. Pb ions are adsorbed on specific sites with high affinity independent of
Cu, whereas, two types of active sites are involved in the biosorption of copper; high affinity specific sites independent of Pb and
low affinity sites dependent on the presence of Pb. The potential of algal biomass as biosorbent has been established by the
available data, and more research and development of algal biosorption process is needed.