A Study of kinetics And Biosorption Isotherms of

One of the effective technologies to remove heavy metals is to use bio-absorbents which are economical, easy to access, and conformed to environmental standards. The aim of this research was to study the biosorption level of copper, zinc, lead, and cadmium using Ulothrix Zonata Algae from industrial wastewater.  Materials &
was a cross sectional investigation. Sampling was done from wastewater of battery-making, electroplating and copper industries of Kerman City. Initial levels of Copper, Zinc, Lead and Cadmium were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. To determine the absorption level of such metals by Ulothrix Zonata absorbent, various amounts of absorbent (0.2, 0.4, 0.5, 1, 1.5 g) were exposed to the mentioned wastewater under different pHs (3, 4, 5, 6, 7), various temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, 30 °C) and different exposure times (15, 30, 45, 60 and 80 min). Then, the absorption isotherms and kinetic modeling of metallic ions were determined on the absorbent based on testing Longmuir, Freundlich, and first and second grade kinetics isotherm models.  Findingsq Level of removing metals by Ulothrix Zonata absorbent was different. In optimum temperature 25 °C, optimum pH 4 for copper and lead metals, optimum pH 5 for zinc and cadmium metals, balanced contact time of 60 min and absorbent level of 1.5 g/L, removal level of copper, zinc, lead and cadmium was 98.2%, 96%, 98.4% and 94.7% respectively. The removal rate of lead was more than the other metals.  Discussion & Isotherm parameters showed that absorbent capacity for absorbing lead was higher, but absorption of copper and cadmium metals with energy height occurred. Concerning high absorption efficiency, Ulothrix Zonata algae can effectively be used to biosorption of heavy metals from industrial wastewater.