Biosorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II) from aqueous solution using green alga (Ulva lactuca) biomass

The biosorption characteristics of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions from aqueous solution using the green alga (Ulva lactuca) biomass were investigated as a function of pH, biomass dosage, contact time, and temperature. Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) models were applied to describe the biosorption isotherm of the metal ions by U. lactuca biomass. Langmuir model fitted the equilibrium data better than the Freundlich isotherm. The monolayer biosorption capacity of U. lactuca biomass for Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions was found to be 34.7mg/g and 29.2mg/g, respectively. From the D-R isotherm model, the mean free energy was calculated as 10.4kJ/mol for Pb(II) biosorption and 9.6kJ/mol for Cd(II) biosorption, indicating that the biosorption of both metal ions was taken place by chemisorption. The calculated thermodynamic parameters (DeltaG degrees , DeltaH degrees and DeltaS degrees ) showed that the biosorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions onto U. lactuca biomass was feasible, spontaneous and exothermic under examined conditions. Experimental data were also tested in terms of biosorption kinetics using pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. The results showed that the biosorption processes of both metal ions followed well pseudo-second-order kinetics.     

Kinetic and equilibrium studies of biosorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II) from aqueous solution by macrofungus (Amanita rubescens) biomass

The biosorption characteristics of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions from aqueous solution using the macrofungus (Amanita rubescens) biomass were investigated as a function of pH, biomass dosage, contact time, and temperature. Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) models were applied to describe the biosorption isotherm of the metal ions by A. rubescens biomass. Langmuir model fitted the equilibrium data better than the Freundlich isotherm. The maximum biosorption capacity of A. rubescens for Pb(II) and Cd(II) was found to be 38.4 and 27.3mg/g, respectively, at optimum conditions of pH 5.0, contact time of 30min, biomass dosage of 4 g/L, and temperature of 20 degrees C. The metal ions were desorbed from A. rubescens using both 1M HCl and 1M HNO(3). The recovery for both metal ions was found to be higher than 90%. The high stability of A. rubescens permitted ten times of adsorption-elution process along the studies without a decrease about 10% in recovery of both metal ions. The mean free energy values evaluated from the D-R model indicated that the biosorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II) onto A. rubescens biomass was taken place by chemical ion-exchange. The calculated thermodynamic parameters, DeltaG degrees , DeltaH degrees and DeltaS degrees showed that the biosorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions onto A. rubescens biomass was feasible, spontaneous and exothermic under examined conditions. Experimental data were also tested in terms of biosorption kinetics using pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. The results showed that the biosorption processes of both Pb(II) and Cd(II) followed well pseudo-second-order kinetics. Based on all results, It can be also concluded that it can be evaluated as an alternative biosorbent to treatment wastewater containing Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions, since A. rubescens is low-cost biomass and has a considerable high biosorption capacity.     

Biosorption of heavy metals from aqueous solutions by chemically modified orange peel

Equilibrium, thermodynamic and kinetic studies were carried out for the biosorption of Pb(2+), Cd(2+) and Ni(2+) ions from aqueous solution using the grafted copolymerization-modified orange peel (OPAA). Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were applied to describe the biosorption of the metal ions onto OPAA. The influences of pH and contact time of solution on the biosorption were studied. Langmuir model fitted the equilibrium data better than the Freundlich isotherm. According to the Langmuir equation, the maximum uptake capacities for Pb(2+), Cd(2+) and Ni(2+) ions were 476.1, 293.3 and 162.6 mg g(-1), respectively. Compared with the unmodified orange peel, the biosorption capacity of the modified biomass increased 4.2-, 4.6- and 16.5-fold for Pb(2+), Cd(2+) and Ni(2+), respectively. The kinetics for Pb(2+), Cd(2+) and Ni(2+) ions biosorption followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics. The free energy changes (ΔG°) for Pb(2+), Cd(2+) and Ni(2+) ions biosorption process were found to be -3.77, -4.99 and -4.22 kJ mol(-1), respectively, which indicates the spontaneous nature of biosorption process. FTIR demonstrated that carboxyl and hydroxyl groups were involved in the biosorption of the metal ions. Desorption of Pb(2+), Cd(2+) and Ni(2+) ions from the biosorbent was effectively achieved in a 0.05 mol L(-1) HCl solution.     

Untreated coffee husks as biosorbents for the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions

The objective of this work was to propose an alternative use for coffee husks (CH), a coffee processing residue, as untreated sorbents for the removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions. Biosorption studies were conducted in a batch system as a function of contact time, initial metal ion concentration, biosorbent concentration and pH of the solution. A contact time of 72 h assured attainment of equilibrium for Cu(II), Cd(II) and Zn(II). The sorption efficiency after equilibrium was higher for Cu(II) (89-98% adsorption), followed by Cd(II) (65-85%) and Zn(II) (48-79%). Even though equilibrium was not attained in the case of Cr(VI) ions, sorption efficiency ranged from 79 to 86%. Sorption performance improved as metal ions concentrations were lowered. The experimental sorption equilibrium data were fitted by both Langmuir and Freundlich sorption models, with Langmuir providing the best fit (R2>0.95). The biosorption kinetics was determined by fitting first and second-order kinetic models to the experimental data, being better described by the pseudo-second-order model (R2>0.99). The amount of metal ions sorbed increased with the biosorbent concentration in the case of Cu(II) and Cr(VI) and did not present significant variations for the other metal ions. The effect of the initial pH in the biosorption efficiency was verified in the pH range of 4-7, and the results showed that the highest adsorption capacity occurred at distinct pH values for each metal ion. A comparison of the maximum sorption capacity of several untreated biomaterial-based residues showed that coffee husks are suitable candidates for use as biosorbents in the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions.     

Ni(II) removal from aqueous solutions using cone biomass of Thuja orientalis

The biomass of terrestrial-plant materials has high removal capacities for a number of heavy metal ions. The Ni(II) biosorption capacity of the cone biomass of Thuja orientalis was studied in the batch mode. The biosorption equilibrium level was determined as a function of contact time, pH, temperature, agitation speed at several initial metal ion and adsorbent concentrations. The removal of Ni(II) from aqueous solutions increased with adsorbent concentration, temperature and agitation speed of the solution were increased. The biosorption process was very fast; 90% of biosorption occurred within 3 min and equilibrium was reached at around 7 min. It is found that the biosorption of Ni(II) on the cone biomass was correlated well (R2 > 0.99) with the Langmuir equation as compared to Freundlich, BET Temkin and D-R isotherm equation under the concentration range studied. According to Langmuir isotherm, the monolayer saturation capacity (Q(o)) is 12.42 mg g(-1). The pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion kinetic models were applied to test the experimental data for initial Ni(II) and cone biomass concentrations. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model provided the best correlation of the used experimental data compared to the pseudo-first-order and intraparticle diffusion kinetic models. The activation energy of biosorption (E(a)) was determined as 36.85 kJ mol(-1) using the Arrhenius equation. This study indicated that the cone biomass of T. orientalis can be used as an effective and environmentally friendly adsorbent for the treatment of Ni(II) containing aqueous solutions.     

Removal and recovery of heavy metals from aqueous solution using Ulmus carpinifolia and Fraxinus excelsior tree leaves

Ulmus carpinifolia and Fraxinus excelsior tree leaves, which are in great supply in Iran, were evaluated for removal of Pb(II), Cd(II) and Cu(II) from aqueous solution. Maximum biosorption capacities for U. carpinifolia and F. excelsior were measured as 201.1, 172.0 mg/g for Pb(II), 80.0, 67.2 mg/g for Cd(II) and 69.5, 33.1 mg/g for Cu(II), respectively. For both sorbents the most effective pH range was found to be 2-5 for Pb(II), 3-5 for Cd(II) and 4-5 for Cu(II). Metal ion biosorption increased as the ratio of metal solution to the biomass quantity decreased. Conversely, biosorption/g biosorbent decreased as the quantity of biomass increased. The biosorption of metal ions increased as the initial metal concentration increased. Biosorption capacities of metal ions were in the following order: Pb(II)>Cd(II)>Cu(II). The equilibrium data for Pb(II) and Cu(II) best fit the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. Kinetic studies showed that the biosorption rates could be described by a second-order expression. Both the sorbents could be regenerated using 0.2 M HCl during repeated biosorption-desorption cycles with no loss in the efficiency of the Cu(II) removal observed. Biosorption of Pb(II), Cd(II) and Cu(II) was investigated in the presence of Na, K, Mg and Ca ions. The results from these studies show a novel way of using U. carpinifolia and F. excelsior tree leaves to remove Pb(II), Cd(II) and Cu(II) from metal-polluted waters.     

Pecan nutshell as biosorbent to remove Cu(II), Mn(II) and Pb(II) from aqueous solutions

In the present study we reported for the first time the feasibility of pecan nutshell (PNS, Carya illinoensis) as an alternative biosorbent to remove Cu(II), Mn(II) and Pb(II) metallic ions from aqueous solutions. The ability of PNS to remove the metallic ions was investigated by using batch biosorption procedure. The effects such as, pH, biosorbent dosage on the adsorption capacities of PNS were studied. Four kinetic models were tested, being the adsorption kinetics better fitted to fractionary-order kinetic model. Besides that, the kinetic data were also fitted to intra-particle diffusion model, presenting three linear regions, indicating that the kinetics of adsorption should follow multiple sorption rates. The equilibrium data were fitted to Langmuir, Freundlich, Sips and Redlich-Peterson isotherm models. Taking into account a statistical error function, the data were best fitted to Sips isotherm model. The maximum biosorption capacities of PNS were 1.35, 1.78 and 0.946mmolg(-1) for Cu(II), Mn(II) and Pb(II), respectively.     

Biosorption of zinc from aqueous solution using Azadirachta indica bark: equilibrium and kinetic studies

The removal of zinc ions from aqueous solutions on the biomass of Azadirachta indica bark has been studied by using batch adsorption technique. The biosorption studies were determined as a function of contact time, pH, initial metal ion concentration, average biosorbent size and biosorbent dosage. The equilibrium metal uptake was increased and percentage biosorption was decreased with an increase in the initial concentration and particle size of biosorbent. The maximum zinc biosorption occurred at pH 6 and percentage biosorption increases with increase in the biosorbent dosage. Experimental data obtained were tested with the adsorption models like Langmuir, Freundlich and Redlich-Peterson isotherms. Biosorption isothermal data were well interpreted by Langmuir model with maximum biosorption capacity of 33.49mg/g of zinc ions on A. indica bark biomass and kinetic data were properly fitted with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model.     

Kinetic and isotherm studies of Cu(II) biosorption onto valonia tannin resin

The biosorption of Cu(II) from aqueous solutions by valonia tannin resin was investigated as a function of particle size, initial pH, contact time and initial metal ion concentration. The aim of this study was to understand the mechanisms that govern copper removal and find a suitable equilibrium isotherm and kinetic model for the copper removal in a batch reactor. The experimental isotherm data were analysed using the Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin equations. The equilibrium data fit well in the Langmuir isotherm. The experimental data were analysed using four sorption kinetic models - the pseudo-first- and second-order equations, the Elovich and the intraparticle diffusion model equation - to determine the best fit equation for the biosorption of copper ions onto valonia tannin resin. Results show that the pseudo-second-order equation provides the best correlation for the biosorption process, whereas the Elovich equation also fits the experimental data well.     

Biosorption of cadmium(II) from aqueous solution by red algae (Ceramium virgatum): equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic studies

The biosorption characteristics of Cd(II) ions using the red alga (Ceramium virgatum) were investigated. Experimental parameters affecting the biosorption process such as pH, contact time, biomass dosage and temperature were studied. Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) models were applied to describe the biosorption isotherms. The biosorption capacity of C. virgatum biomass for Cd(II) ions was found to be 39.7 mg/g. From the D-R isotherm model, the mean free energy was calculated as 12.7 kJ/mol, indicating that the biosorption of Cd(II) the metal ions was taken place by chemisorption. The calculated thermodynamic parameters (DeltaG degrees , DeltaH degrees and DeltaS degrees ) showed that the biosorption of Cd(II) ions onto C. virgatum was feasible, spontaneous and exothermic at 293-323 K. Evaluation of experimental data in terms of biosorption kinetics showed that the biosorption of Cd(II) C. virgatum followed well pseudo-second-order kinetics.     

Copper(II) and zinc(II) biosorption on Pinus sylvestris L

The biosorption properties of copper(II) and zinc(II) onto a cone biomass of Pinus sylvestris L. was investigated by using batch techniques. The biosorption studies carried out with single metal solutions. The removal of copper(II) and zinc(II) from aqueous solution increased with pH and sharply decreased when pH of the solution was decreased. The maximum biosorption efficiency of P. sylvestris was 67% and 30% for Cu(II) and Zn(II), respectively. Batch kinetic and isotherm of biosorption metal ions were investigated. The second-order kinetic model was used to correlate the experimental data. The Freundlich and Langmuir model can describe the adsorption equilibrium of metal(II) on cone biomass. The biosorption constants were found from the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms at 25 degrees C. It is found that the biosorption data of metals on cone biomass fitted both the Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption models.     

Removal and recovery of lead(II) from single and multimetal (Cd, Cu, Ni, Zn) solutions by crop milling waste (black gram husk)

The study reports removal of heavy metals when present singly or in binary and ternary systems by the milling agrowaste of Cicer arientinum (chickpea var. black gram) as the biosorbent. The biosorbent removed heavy metal ions efficiently from aqueous solutions with the selectivity order of Pb>Cd>Zn>Cu>Ni. The biosorption of metal ions by black gram husk (BGH) increased as the initial metal concentration increased. Biosorption equilibrium was established within 30 min, which was well described by the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms. The maximum amount of heavy metals (qmax) adsorbed at equilibrium was 49.97, 39.99, 33.81, 25.73 and 19.56 mg/g BGH biomass for Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu and Ni, respectively. The biosorption capacities were found to be pH dependent and the maximum adsorption occurred at the solution pH 5. Efficiency of the biosorbent to remove Pb from binary and ternary solutions with Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn was the same level as it was when present singly. The presence of Pb in the binary and ternary solutions also did not significantly affect the sorption of other metals. Breakthrough curves for continuous removal of Pb from single, binary and ternary metal solutions are reported for inlet-effluent equilibrium. Complete desorption of Pb and other metals in single and multimetal solutions was achieved with 0.1 M HCl in both shake flask and fixed bed column studies. This is the first report of removal of the highly toxic Pb, Cd, and other heavy metals in binary and ternary systems based on the biosorption by an agrowaste. The potential of application for the treatment of solutions containing these heavy metals in multimetal solutions is indicated.     

Biosorption of Cu(II) from aqueous solutions by mimosa tannin gel

The biosorption of Cu(II) from aqueous solutions by mimosa tannin resin (MTR) was investigated as a function of particle size, initial pH, contact time and initial metal ion concentration. The aim of this study was to understand the mechanisms that govern copper removal and find a suitable equilibrium isotherm and kinetic model for the copper removal in a batch reactor. The experimental isotherm data were analysed using the Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin equations. The equilibrium data fit well in the Langmiur isotherm. The experimental data were analysed using four sorption kinetic models -- the pseudo-first- and second-order equations, and the Elovich and the intraparticle diffusion equation -- to determine the best fit equation for the biosorption of copper ions onto mimosa tannin resin. Results show that the pseudo-second-order equation provides the best correlation for the biosorption process, whereas the Elovich equation also fits the experimental data well. Thermodynamic parameters such as the entropy change, enthalpy change and Gibb's free energy change were found out to be 153.0 J mol(-1)K(-1), 42.09 kJ mol(-1) and -2.47 kJ mol(-1), respectively.     

Equilibrium and kinetic modelling of cadmium(II) biosorption by nonliving algal biomass Oedogonium sp. from aqueous phase

The biosorption of cadmium(II) ions on Oedogonium sp. is studied in a batch system with respect to initial pH, algal dose, contact time and the temperature. The algal biomass exhibited the highest cadmium(II) uptake capacity at 25 degrees C, at the initial pH value of 5.0 in 55 min and at the initial cadmium(II) ion concentration of 200 mg L(-1). Biosorption capacity decreased from 88.9 to 80.4 mg g(-1) with an increase in temperature from 25 to 45 degrees C at this initial cadmium(II) concentration. Uptake kinetics follows the pseudo-second-order model and equilibrium is well described by Langmuir isotherm. Isotherms have been used to determine thermodynamic parameters of the process, viz., free energy change, enthalpy change and entropy change. FTIR analysis of algal biomass revealed the presence of amino, carboxyl, hydroxyl and carbonyl groups, which are responsible for biosorption of metal ions. Acid pretreatments did not substantially increase metal sorption capacity but alkali like NaOH pretreatment slightly enhanced the metal removal ability of the biomass. During repeated sorption/desorption cycles at the end of fifth cycle, Cd(II) sorption decreased by 18%, with 15-20% loss of biomass. Nevertheless, Oedogonium sp. appears to be a good sorbent for removing metal Cd(II) from aqueous phase.     

Removal of Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions, from aqueous solutions, by adsorption onto sawdust of Pinus sylvestris

Fixation of heavy metal ions (Cd(II) and Pb(II)) onto sawdust of Pinus sylvestris is presented in this paper. Batch experiments were conducted to study the main parameters such as adsorbent concentration, initial adsorbate concentration, contact time, kinetic, pH solution, and stirring velocity on the sorption of Cd(II) and Pb(II) by sawdust of P. sylvestris. Kinetic aspects are studied in order to develop a model which can describe the process of adsorption on sawdust. The equilibrium of a solution between liquid and solid phases is described by Langmuir model. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) shows that the process is controlled by a porous diffusion with ion-exchange. The capacity of the metal ions to bind onto the biomass was 96% for Cd(II), and 98% for Pb(II). The sorption followed a pseudo-second-order kinetics. The adsorption of these heavy metals ions increased with the pH and reached a maximum at a 5.5 value. From these results, it can be concluded that the sawdust of P. sylvestris could be a good adsorbent for the metal ions coming from aqueous solutions. Moreover, this material could also be used for purification of water before rejection into the natural environment.     

Biosorption of cadmium(II), zinc(II) and lead(II) by Penicillium simplicissimum: Isotherms, kinetics and thermodynamics

The isotherms, kinetics and thermodynamics of Cd(II), Zn(II) and Pb(II) biosorption by Penicillium simplicissimum were investigated in a batch system. The effects of pH, initial metal ions concentration, biomass dose, contact time, temperature and co-ions on the biosorption were studied. Adsorption data were well described by both the Redlich–Peterson and Langmuir model. Chemical ion-exchange was found to be an important process based on free energy value from Dubini–Radushkevich isotherm for all metal ions. The results of the kinetic studies of all metal ions at different temperature showed that the rate of adsorption followed the pseudo second-order kinetics well. The thermodynamics constants ΔG°, ΔH° and ΔS° of the adsorption process showed that biosorption of Cd(II), Zn(II) and Pb(II) ions on Penicillium simplicissimum were endothermic and spontaneous.     

Kinetic and thermodynamic studies of the biosorption of Cr(VI) by Pinus sylvestris Linn

Biosorption equilibrium, kinetics and thermodynamics of chromium(VI) ions onto cone biomass were studied in a batch system with respect to temperature and initial metal ion concentration. The biosorption efficiency of chromium ions to the cone biomass decreased as the initial concentration of metal ions was increased. But cone biomass of Pinus sylvestris Linn. exhibited the highest Cr(VI) uptake capacity at 45 degrees C. The biosorption efficiency increased from 67% to 84% with an increase in temperature from 25 to 45 degrees C at an initial Cr(VI) concentration of 300 mg/L. The Langmuir isotherm model was applied to experimental equilibrium data of Cr(VI) biosorption depending on temperature. According to Langmuir isotherm, the monolayer saturation capacity (Q(max)) is 238.10 mg/g. The pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models were applied to test the experimental data for initial Cr(VI). The pseudo-second-order kinetic model provided the best correlation of the used experimental data compared to the pseudo-first-order kinetic model. The activation energy of biosorption (E(a)) was determined as 41.74 kJ/mol using the Arrhenius equation. Using the thermodynamic equilibrium coefficients obtained at different temperatures, the thermodynamic constants of biosorption (DeltaG(0), DeltaH(0) and DeltaS(0)) were also evaluated.     

Biosorption of heavy metal ions from aqueous solution by red macroalgae

Biosorption is an effective process for the removal and recovery of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions. The biomass of marine algae has been reported to have high biosorption capacities for a number of heavy metal ions. In this study, four species of red seaweeds Corallina mediterranea, Galaxaura oblongata, Jania rubens and Pterocladia capillacea were examined to remove Co(II), Cd(II), Cr(III) and Pb(II) ions from aqueous solution. The experimental parameters that affect the biosorption process such as pH, contact time and biomass dosage were studied. The maximum biosorption capacity of metal ions was 105.2mg/g at biomass dosage 10 g/L, pH 5 and contact time 60 min. The biosorption efficiency of algal biomass for the removal of heavy metal ions from industrial wastewater was evaluated for two successive cycles. Galaxaura oblongata biomass was relatively more efficient to remove metal ions with mean biosorption efficiency of 84%. This study demonstrated that these seaweeds constitute a promising, efficient, cheap and biodegradable sorbent biomaterial for lowering the heavy metal pollution in the environment.     

Evaluation of iron-based hybrid materials for heavy metal ions removal

The article presents in detail the results of the sorption of heavy metal ions such as Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), and Zn(II) in the presence of ethylenediamine-N,N′-disuccinic acid as well as chromium(VI) on Purolite Arsen X^np and Lewatit FO36. Factors affecting the sorption equilibrium (sorbent dose, contact time, temperature, pH, and the presence of interfering ions) were studied. To compare the surface morphologies of the studied ion exchangers, scans using atomic force microscope were also recorded, and attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy was applied to establish the adsorption mechanism. The main parameters affecting sorption are initial concentration of the solution, pH, and phase contact time. Temperature has only a slight influence. The kinetic data were fitted using the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models. In the case of Cr(VI) adsorption, the equilibriums on Purolite Arsen X^np and Lewatit FO36 were established within 60 min, in the case of Cu(II) and Zn(II) within 30–40 min and for Cd(II) and Pb(II) even less than 30 min. Moreover, it was found that the effectiveness of adsorption in the case of Cr(VI), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II) on Purolite ArsenX^np was higher than that on Lewatit FO36.     

Biosorption of lead from aqueous solutions by green algae Spirogyra species: kinetics and equilibrium studies

Biosorption is the effective method for the removal of heavy metal ions from wastewaters. Results are presented showing the sorption of Pb(II) from solutions by biomass of commonly available, filamentous green algae Spirogyra sp. Batch experiments were conducted to determine the biosorption properties of the biomass and it was observed that the maximum adsorption capacity of Pb(II) ion was around 140mgmetal/g of biomass at pH 5.0 in 100min with 200mg/L of initial concentration. Temperature change in the range 20-40 degrees C affected the adsorption capacity and the nature of the reaction was found to be endothermic in nature. Uptake kinetics follows the pseudo-second-order model and equilibrium is well described by Langmuir isotherm. Isotherms have been used to determine thermodynamic parameters of the process, viz., free energy change, enthalpy change and entropy change. Various properties of the algae, as adsorbent, explored in the characterization part were chemical composition of the adsorbent, thermal analysis by TGA, surface area calculation by BET method, surface morphology with scanning electron microscope images and surface functionality by FTIR. FTIR analysis of algal biomass revealed the presence of amino, carboxyl, hydroxyl and carbonyl groups, which are responsible for biosorption of metal ions. The results indicated that the biomass of Spirogyra sp. is an efficient biosorbent for the removal of Pb(II) from aqueous solutions.