Published Paper Details:

Biosorption process is a promising technology for the removal of heavy metals as it is fast, powerful and low cost, it takes place in a wide range of temperature as well as it can be used for almost all types of heavy metals. In this study, samples were collected from selected freshwater bodies of Kanyakumari district and subjected to biosorption efficacy evaluation using Sargassum wightii (Greville ex. J. Agardh). The present investigation showed biosorption of Cu and Zn by S. wightii in a batch system. Heavy metal analysis of water samples showed maximum values of Cu, Fe, and Zn in site IIwater compared to site I. Influence of contact time and concentration of adsorbate on the removal of heavy metals from selected water samples were also evaluated. Maximum heavy metal removal from the water samples from site I and site II were seen for Cu (28.57%), Zn (95.45%) and Cu (94.15%), Zn (95.74%) at 60 minutes of contact time with the macroalgae biomass. The highest percentage of heavy metal removal for Cu (42.85%), Zn (95.90%), and Cu (82.45%), Zn (97.44%), from site I and site II water samples respectively. The algal biomass of 3g/L was found to be best for removal of heavy metals from in site I water sample and 4g/L in site II water sample. The current investigation has shown that brown algae S. wightii could be efficiently used for the bioremediation of Cu and Zn heavy metal polluted fresh water bodies.