A review on algal biosorbents for heavy metal remediation with different adsorption isotherm models

Biosorbent composites like chitin, alginate, moss, xanthene, and cotton can be derived from biotic species such as plants, algae, fungi, and bacteria which can be used for the exclusion of both organic and inorganic toxicants from sewage, industrial effluent, polluted soils, and many more. The use of composites in place of raw substrates like alginate and chitin increases the adsorption capacity as CS4CPL1 beads increase the adsorption capacity for copper and nickel from 66.7 mg/g and 15.3 mg/g in the case of alginate microsphere to 719.38 mg/g and 466.07 mg/g respectively. Biosorbent fabricated from algae Chlorella vulgaris having surface area of 12.1 m(2)/g and pore size of 13.7 nm owing to which it displayed a higher adsorption capacity for Pb 0.433 mmol/g indicating their potential as an efficient biosorbent material. This article contains detailed information related to heavy metals as well as biosorbent that includes different isotherms, kinetics, techniques to estimate heavy metal concentration, removal methods, and adverse health effects caused due to heavy metal pollution. Apart from the above recovery and reuse of biosorbent, correlation with the sustainable development goals has also been included.

Automated summary

Biosorbent composites derived from biotic species can be used for the exclusion of toxicants from various sources. The use of composites increases adsorption capacity, as demonstrated by higher levels of copper and nickel adsorption. Algae-based biosorbents have also shown potential for efficient removal of heavy metals. This article provides detailed information on heavy metals, biosorbents, estimation techniques, removal methods, and health effects. It also highlights the importance of biosorbent recovery and reuse in line with sustainable development goals.