Adsorptive-desorptive performance of Chlorellavulgaris for the removal of vanadium from aqueous solutions

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.

KEYWORDS:

• Vanadium
• alga
• biosorption
• desorption
• water

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China: [Grant Number 42077346]; Key research and development (R&D) project of Sichuan Science and technology plan: [Grant Number 2022YFS0495]; State Key Laboratory of Vanadium and Titanium Resources Comprehensive Utilization: [Grant Number 2021P4FZG06A].

Notes on contributors

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.