The Strontium- and Yttrium-Binding Activity of Pectin from the Seagrass Phyllospadix iwatensis Makino, 1931 and Its Modified Derivative

Poorly esterified pectin was isolated from the seagrass Phyllospadix iwatensis Makino, 1931 and modified using acidic hydrolysis in 0.5 M HCl. The concentration of anhydrogalacturonic acid, the degree of methoxylation, and the molecular weight distribution were determined in the native and hydrolyzed pectins. The sorption capacity of these pectins with regard to strontium and yttrium ions was evaluated at pH 6.0. It was found that the molecular weight of the native pectin decreased by 2.9 times during hydrolysis; the relative content of anhydrogalacturonic acid in the native pectin increased by 14%, while the degree of esterification decreased from 5.22 to 0%. The sorption capacity of the hydrolyzed pectin increased for strontium and yttrium ions by 40 and 48%, respectively. In our study, hydrolyzed pectin fully retained the ability to bind metal ions from their solutions at a low concentration.

Automated summary

The poorly esterified pectin isolated from seagrass Phyllospadix iwatensis was modified using acidic hydrolysis and showed improved sorption capacity for strontium and yttrium ions, indicating potential applications in metal ion removal.