Comparative biosorption of Cd(II) and Ni(II) by Dunaliella salina in single and binary systems

In this study,the potential of Dunaliella salina for biosorption of Cd(II) and Ni(II) ions in media has been investigated under optimized culture conditions. For the comparative selection of heavy metal ions in the presence of Cd(II) and Ni(II), single and binary systems were chosen. Dunaliella salina algae displayed maximum Cd(II) and Ni(II) biosorption with ۸۰% and ۵۵.۸۸% efficiency respectively. Both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were suitable for describing multicomponent binary systems depending of competitive ions in the mixture. Main functional groups and surface properties of the Dunaliella salina was identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometry. Hence, effective heavy metal ion uptake, simple design and cost-effective cultivation confirmed live Dunaliella Salina as suitable microalgae for purifying contaminated water in an economic and safe manner.