EVALUATING THE BIOSORPTIVE PROPERTIES OF ANACOSTIA RIVER BIOMASS TO FACILITATE HEAVY METAL REMOVAL FROM CONTAMINATED WATER
EVALUATING THE BIOSORPTIVE PROPERTIES OF ANACOSTIA RIVER BIOMASS TO FACILITATE HEAVY METAL REMOVAL FROM CONTAMINATED WATER
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Date
2021
Authors
Baitman, Benjamin
Chang, Justin
Croce, Bryan
Parker, Joshua
Seibert, Paul
Weiss, Emma
Weller, Joseph
Zhou, Wen
Advisor
Andrade, Natasha
Citation
DRUM DOI
Abstract
Arsenic, cadmium, and chromium are among the major industrial heavy metal
pollutants that can cause adverse effects on human and environmental health.
Conventional remediation treatments tend to be financially and environmentally
disadvantageous. Algal biosorption is an alternative that utilizes the functional groups on
algae’s surface to remove metals from solution. We tested the remediating capabilities of
algae in both a laboratory and prototype setting. We observed how arsenic, cadmium, and
chromium were sorbed by the algae at select time intervals. We found that 100% of
chromium and arsenic and 35% of cadmium were removed after 24 hours, with peak
rates occurring for all three metals at two hours. Results from the prototype show
promise, but shortcomings suggest this technology is better suited for use in pretreatment,
not for immediate discharge. More research is needed to improve the system’s practicality
in real world application.
Notes
Gemstone Team CYCLE