ABSTRACT
Studies on Vanadium (V) adsorption in aqueous systems employing biomaterials friendly to the environment are rare. This study investigated the adsorption performance of the living and non-living Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris) for V from aquatic systems. Vanadium inhibited the growth of living C. vulgaris. The results of isothermal equations showed that the non-living C. vulgaris biomass was favourable for V adsorption. At 400 mg L−1 V, 50 mg algae biomass, 40°C, and 0.01 M ionic strength for 24 h, the maximum adsorption capacity reached 94.00 mg g−1. The results of the kinetic studies indicated that chemisorption dominated the V adsorption process. Analysis on the surface of non-living C. vulgaris biomass revealed that hydroxyl groups, carboxylate groups, amide groups, aromatic carbons, and organic halogenated hydrocarbon groups played crucial roles in V biosorption. Vanadium was bound to the active sites on the surface of C. vulgaris through ion exchange action as opposed to redox reaction. Desorption experiments were conducted by eluting the non-living C. vulgaris biomass with 1 M NaOH solution, and the maximum desorption rate of V reached 98%. The results demonstrate that C. vulgaris is a green and highly effective biosorbent for vanadium removal from aquatic systems.
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Xi Shu
Xi Shu is a master student of College of Architecture and Environment, and Institute of New Energy and Low-Carbon Technology at Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
Ya-qi Yu
Dr. Ya-qi Yu is a PhD student of College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
Qing-mei Liu
Qing-mei Liu is an assistant researcher of Institute of Soil Ecology and Acoustic Environment at Chengdu Academy of Environmental Protection Sciences, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
Jin-yan Yang
Dr. Jin-yan Yang is a professor of College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, 24 South Section 1, Yihuan Road, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.