Competitive Biosorption of Chromium(VI), Iron(III) and Copper(II) Ions From Binary Metal Mixtures By R.arrhizus and C. vulgaris

Authors: Yeşim SAĞ, Ünsal AÇIKEL, Zümriye AKSU, Tülin KUTSAL

Abstract: In this study, the simultaneous adsorption process of Cr(VI), Fe(III) by R. arrhizus and C. vulgaris and Cu(II) in pairs of metal mixtures were investigated and compared to single component systems. The capabilities of the fungal and the algal biomass to bind two metals simultaneously in solution are shown as a function of pH, metal combinations and levels of metal concentration. The effects of the co-presence of Cr(VI)-Fe(III) and Cr(VI)-Cu(II) ions together in aquatic solutions on the biosorption of Cr(VI), Fe (III) and Cu(II) ions were investigated in terms of initial rates of biosorption and equilibrium metal removal. Optimum pH for the biosorption of Cr(VI) and Fe(III) was determined as 2.0 whereas higher biosorptive uptake of Cu(II) was obtained at pH 4.0 Since the initial biosorption rates and equilibrium metal removal decreased with increasing concentration of the accompanying metal ion, the interactive effects of Cr(VI)-Fe(III) and Cr(VI)-Cu(II) on both microorganisms were found to be antagonistic.

Keywords: Waste water, Heavy metal ions, Competitive biosorption.

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