Removal of lead-heavy metal from industrial waste using three microalgae species Scenedesmus acutus, Scenedesmus incrassatulus, and Scenedesmus obliquus

Environmental pollution with heavy metals is one of the most serious environmental problems. There are several methods for removing heavy metals that require a lot of energy and are expensive. Therefore, the use of adsorbents such as algae has been considered. In this study, the efficiency of three species of microalgae Scenedesmus acutus, Scenedesmus incrassatulus, and Scenedesmus obliquus in adsorption of lead-heavy metal was investigated. For this purpose, pH (3 to 7), algal density (0.25 to 2 g), contaminant concentration (20 to 200 mg / l), time (30 to 150 minutes), and temperature (15 to 35 ° C) were investigated. it placed. The results showed that the rate of absorption of heavy metals by these three species was not significantly different. However, pH, algal density, pollutant concentration, time, and the temperature had a significant effect on the efficiency of algae in removing contaminants from the environment. The highest amount of lead uptake by microalgae occurred at pH 6, 25 ° C, adsorbent level of 0.5 g, contact time of 120 minutes, and density of 150 mg / l lead. Lead uptake had no effect on lipid and biodiesel production by microalgae.