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Updated: Mar 24, 2026
10:20
Quantification of Heavy Metals and Other Inorganic Contaminants on the Productivity of Microalgae
Published on: July 10, 2015
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Comparative study on metal biosorption by two macroalgae in saline waters: single and ternary systems
Paula Figueira1, Bruno Henriques2,3, Ana Teixeira1
1CESAM and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research International
|March 11, 2016
Summary
Marine macroalgae, Ulva lactuca and Fucus vesiculosus, effectively remove toxic mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) from saline waters. Fucus vesiculosus shows greater potential for water treatment due to higher removal efficiencies and faster sorption rates.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Marine Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Marine macroalgae are increasingly recognized for their potential in bioremediation.
- Toxic metal pollution in saline waters poses significant environmental and health risks.
- Developing cost-effective and sustainable water treatment methods is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the biosorption capabilities of Ulva lactuca and Fucus vesiculosus for removing mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) from saline water.
- To compare the efficiency and selectivity of these macroalgae under single and multi-contaminant conditions.
- To assess the potential of these natural materials in water treatment technologies.
Main Methods:
- Biosorption experiments using non-pre-treated Ulva lactuca and Fucus vesiculosus biomass.
- Testing under realistic saline water conditions with varying metal concentrations.
- Analysis of metal removal efficiencies, sorption kinetics, and selectivity.
- Mathematical modeling to describe biosorption kinetics.
Main Results:
- Both macroalgae demonstrated high removal efficiencies for Hg (96-99%) and Pb (up to 86%) in single-contaminant systems.
- Fucus vesiculosus showed higher removal efficiencies and faster equilibrium for Pb compared to Ulva lactuca.
- Macroalgae exhibited selectivity: Hg > Pb >> Cd, with limited Cd removal (<20%).
- Pb removal by Ulva lactuca was more inhibited in multi-contaminant systems than by Fucus vesiculosus.
Conclusions:
- Ulva lactuca and Fucus vesiculosus are effective biosorbents for Hg and Pb in saline waters.
- Fucus vesiculosus presents greater potential for water treatment applications due to superior performance.
- These macroalgae can be integrated into simple, efficient, and cost-effective water treatment strategies.
- Further research may optimize their application for broader toxic metal removal.
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