Biosorption of certain selected toxic heavy metals and methylene blue by use of anionised microalgal loaded luffa cylindrica

Abstract

Heavy metals and organic pollutants are commonly released into the water environment and there is an urgent need for better treatment methods to eliminate these toxic substances. Although many conventional techniques have been utilised, adsorption is of considerable interest. Adsorption has been found to be most effective method in the removal process due to its low cost, high efficiency, regeneration and recovery; and a minimized production of sludge. It involves the use of biosorbents to remove heavy metal ions and organic pollutants from aqueous solutions. A new approach is proposed in this research based on the high percentage composition of cellulose in LFC. This study will alter the LFC surface by chemically modifying the LFC by an anionic monomer. A new strategy with the use of this anionized treated LFC immobilised with algae and fungi respectively, will be established for the simultaneous removal of selected heavy metal ions and a model organic pollutant.