Pb2+ biosorption on Sargassum ilicifolium in the presence of Na+ and quaternary ammonium cations

Quaternary ammonium cations (or quats) and Na+ were used as model interfering ions that could possibly influence the uptake of Pb2+ in wastewater by dead algal biomass of Sargassum ilicifolium. This biosorption study consisted of four sets of batch experiments: Pb2+; Pb2+/Na+; Pb2+/quats; Pb2+/Na+/quats. The effect of the presence of ions other than Pb2+ on the maximum extent of adsorption on the biomass was determined. Equilibrium data gathered suggested that improved Pb2+ adsorption could occur in the presence of quats. On the other hand, the presence of Na+ lowered the maximum extent of adsorption of Pb2+, particularly at low initial concentrations of Pb2+. In the presence of both Na+ and quats, more Pb2+ were adsorbed than when only one type of interfering ions was present.