EVALUATING THE BIOSORPTIVE PROPERTIES OF ANACOSTIA RIVER BIOMASS TO FACILITATE HEAVY METAL REMOVAL FROM CONTAMINATED WATER

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.