Public health benefits of using algae for simultaneous multiple metal extraction from waters

Algae have been described as inexpensive organisms for the efficient extraction and recovery of heavy-metals from polluted waters. This method is most effective when the solution conditions are adjusted for the selective adsorption of individual metals. Experiments that are designed for extracting single metals, however, do not accurately assess either environmental or water systems. In this article, we distinguish between using algae to remove individual versus multiple metals. Simultaneous multiple metal extraction has a major disadvantage, however, because all the metals in a solution may not be removed with great efficiency. Single-metal extraction is more readily optimized for almost 100% recovery.