Analysis of Cr(III) ions adsorption on the surface of algae: implications for the removal of heavy metal ions from water

For purposeful control of the adsorption process, a comprehensive study of the properties of the original cells and the effect of metal ions on them is necessary. In this regard, the features of the adsorption of Cr(III) ions on the cell surface of Spirulina platensis algae were studied. FTIR spectroscopy revealed that the main functional groups responsible for the binding of Cr(III) ions are carboxyl, hydroxyl, amino, and phosphate groups on the surface of algae. The adsorption data were processed using the Langmuir and Freundlich models. It is shown that the maximum adsorption of Cr(III) ions on the surface of algae cells is 31.25 mg/g. The Freundlich constant 1/n is 0.65. The study of the effect of the concentration of Cr(III) ions on the Zeta-potential of algae cells revealed an abnormal increase in the negative value of the ζ – potential at 10–5 mol/L, caused by the release of an additional amount of anionic functional groups to the surface. A further increase in the concentration of Cr(III) ions in the algae suspension leads to a decrease in the ζ – potential and recharge of the surface at C>10–2 mol/L. It was found that the adsorption of Cr(III) ions also affects the morphology of the cell surface. If before contact with Cr(III) ions, the surface of algae cells is represented as a uniform green grid, after adsorption of Cr(III) ions, the surface becomes green-brown, with swollen spirals. The study of the effect of pH on the adsorption and desorption processes shows an increase in the desorption of Cr(III) ions from the surface of algae during acidification of the medium. The adsorption reaches a maximum value in the pH range of 6–7. In the region of optimal Cr(III)/biosorbent ion ratios, the recovery rate of Cr(III) reaches 98.5–99.3 %.