Modern Treatment Using Powdered Chlorella vulgaris for Adsorption of Heavy Metals from Freshwater

In the face of current challenges related to climate change, maintaining the appropriate quality of freshwater becomes crucial. This study examined the effectiveness of removing heavy metals (Cu(II) and Co(II)) using Chlorella vulgaris biosorbents (dietary supplements in the form of powder). This study determined the parameters of the biosorbent (point of zero charge (PZC) analysis using scanning electron microscopy with back-scattered electron (SEM-BSE) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis). Batch tests were also performed to determine the kinetic constants and adsorption equilibrium of Cu(II) and Co(II) ions. Based on the conducted research, it was found that a pseudo-second-order equation describes the kinetics of the biosorption process. Among the studied adsorption isotherms, the Langmuir and Freundlich models fit best. The results indicate that single-layer adsorption took place and Chlorella vulgaris is a microporous adsorbent. The maximum sorption capacity in the single-component system for Cu(II) and Co(II) was 30.3 mg·g−1 and 9.0 mg·g−1, respectively. In contrast, in the binary system, it was 20.8 mg·g−1 and 19.6 mg·g−1 (extended Langmuir model) and 23.5 mg·g−1 and 19.6 mg·g−1 (Jain-Snoeyinka model). Chlorella vulgaris is an effective biosorbent for removing heavy metals from freshwater. This technology offers an ecological and economical solution for improving water quality, making it a promising alternative to traditional purification methods.