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Updated: Jun 16, 2026

A Study of the Complexation of Mercury(II) with Dicysteinyl Tetrapeptides by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
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Published on: January 8, 2016

Mercury(II) biosorption using Lessonia sp. kelp.

Mariana Reategui1, Holger Maldonado, Martha Ly

  • 1Departamento Académico de Química, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Av. Honorio Delgado, 430 Urbanización Ingeniería, Lima 31, Peru.

Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology
|February 16, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Two kelp species, Lessonia nigrescens and Lessonia trabeculata, effectively remove mercury (Hg(II)) from water. Pretreated biomass shows high sorption capacity, with efficient mercury elution possible.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Marine Biology
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Mercury contamination poses significant environmental and health risks.
  • Biosorption using natural materials is a promising remediation strategy.
  • Marine macroalgae, like kelp, are abundant and potentially effective biosorbents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the sorption efficiency of Lessonia nigrescens and Lessonia trabeculata for mercury removal from aqueous solutions.
  • To characterize the sorption mechanism, kinetics, and influencing factors.
  • To assess the potential for mercury elution and biosorbent regeneration.

Main Methods:

  • Biosorbent preparation: pretreatment of Lessonia spp. with CaCl(2).
  • Batch sorption experiments to determine Hg(II) removal efficiency, isotherms (Langmuir), and kinetics (pseudo-second-order).
  • Investigation of factors: pH, temperature, anion presence, particle size, sorbent dosage, and initial metal concentration.
  • Elution studies using acidic solutions.

Main Results:

  • Pretreated kelp biomass demonstrated high Hg(II) sorption capacities (240-270 mg/g) at pH 6-7.
  • Sorption followed Langmuir model; kinetics best described by pseudo-second-order equation.
  • Temperature had minimal effect; chloride anions significantly limited sorption compared to sulfate and nitrate.
  • Particle size and sorbent dosage had minor impacts on sorption parameters.
  • Mercury was successfully eluted using HCl, citric acid, or acidic KI.

Conclusions:

  • Lessonia nigrescens and Lessonia trabeculata are highly efficient biosorbents for mercury removal.
  • The biosorbent is stable, effective over a range of conditions, and regenerable.
  • This study highlights the potential of kelp biomass for mercury remediation in contaminated waters.