Cadmium removal using Cladophora in batch, semi-batch and flow reactors

This study presents the results of using viable algae to remove cadmium from a synthetic wastewater. In batch and semi-batch tests, a local strain of Cladophora algae removed 80-94% of the cadmium introduced. The flow experiments that followed were conducted using non-local Cladophora parriaudii. Results showed that the alga removed only 12.7(+/-6.4)% of the cadmium introduced into the reactor, Limited removal was the result of insufficient algal quantities and poor contact between the algae and cadmium solution. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.