Study of the performance of a bloom-forming cyanobacterium (Microcystis aeruginosa) on the biosorption of uranium

In order to realize the environmental sustainability, a raw bloom-forming species Microcystis aeruginosa harvested from natural waters without any modification was employed in the biosorption of uranium. The results of adsorption experiments indicated the process of U(VI) adsorbed on the surface of M. aeruginosa was pH-dependent, endothermic and spontaneous. The analysis of FTIR and XPS proved the oxygenated function groups of M. aeruginosa performed an important role in the biosorption of uranium. The high adsorption capacity and satisfied regenerated availability of M. aeruginosa make it possible to clean 'polluter (radioactive wastewater)' with 'polluter (toxic cyanobacteria)'.

Automated summary

In order to achieve environmental sustainability, a raw bloom-forming species Microcystis aeruginosa was used for the biosorption of uranium without any modification. The adsorption experiments showed that the process of U(VI) adsorption on M. aeruginosa was pH-dependent, endothermic and spontaneous. The analysis of FTIR and XPS indicated the significant role of oxygenated functional groups of M. aeruginosa in uranium biosorption. The high adsorption capacity and satisfactory regeneration availability of M. aeruginosa enable the possibility of treating 'polluter (radioactive wastewater)' with 'polluter (toxic cyanobacteria)'.