Bioremediation of Hexavalent Chromium by Some Marine Algae

El-Zabalawy, Khaled . M.; El-Kenany, Eman T.

doi:10.21608/eajbsh.2015.16824

Bioremediation of Hexavalent Chromium by Some Marine Algae

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Environment and Bio-Agriculture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar Univrsity, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt

² Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt

10.21608/eajbsh.2015.16824

Abstract

The discharge of chromium (VI) into aquatic ecosystems has become a matter of concern in all the tannery areas over the last few decades.In this study, biomass of Padina pavonia (Linnaeus) Gaillon, Sargassum hornschuchii C. Agardh, Cystoseira sp. C. Agardh, Ulva lactuca L. and Gelidium crinale (Turner) Gaillon were tested for bioremediation of chromium (VI). The results clarified that the amount of metal removed by algae from solution is obviously affected by biomass concentration and the metal removal increased with increasing the biomass of the tested algae. It is also observed that there is consistent increase in the chromium (VI) removal by all tested algae with time in approximately all used concentrations, especially from 4 to 8 hours. Meanwhile, the relative metal removal percentages decreased by increasing the initial metal concentrations and higher removal for metal was observed at lower concentrations. Accordingly, a bioremediation process based on algae biomass is sustainable keeping in account the cost effectiveness and associated environmental benefits.

Keywords