Biosorption of cadmium from aqueous solutions using Scenedesmus sp

Due to the presence of heavy metals in the aquatic systems and disadvantages of the conventional techniques for the removal of them, lead to using of efficient methods for the removal of heavy metals. Biosorption of heavy metals using microalgae was considered as a suitable method. Scenedesmus sp. has suitable potential for the growing in the waste water and cadmium is more toxic even the low concentrations. So, In this study, efficiency of green algae Scenedesmus sp.was studied for the removal of cadmium from aqueous solutions. After growing of the algae in the Z8-N medium, live algae was used as absorbent. Different dosages (0, 0.25,0.5,0.75and 1) of algae were used for the different solutions (0,5,10,20 and 50 mg/L) at several contact times (0,30,60,120 and 180 Min.) to analysis of absorption of cadmium at the constant conditions (pH=6.8±0.1 and 27±2 ºC). According to the results of this study, optimum conditions of absorption of cadmium using Scenedesmus sp. Was conducted at a concentration of 10 mg/L (93.50%), contact time of 60 minutes (90.80%) and 1 gram absorbent (93.50%). Hence, comparing to other methods and absorbents, the application of Scenedesmus sp. for the removal of cadmium from aqueous solutions was very effective and it could be used for the removal of heavy metals from industrial effluents.