Immobilization of toxic substances from aqueous solutions using Chlorella vulgaris dietary supplements

Chlorella is highly effective in removing contaminants from water thanks to its ability to biosorb heavy metals and neutralize toxic substances. Its use in bioremediation represents an innovative approach to improving water quality in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner. The study described in this article concerned the adsorption of Cu(II) and Cd(II) ions depending on time and initial concentration on an adsorbent, which was dead biomass in the form of a powdered dietary supplement Chlorella vulgaris. A FAAS spectrometer was used to obtain the results. The point of zero charge was determined, and the structure and chemical composition of chlorella were examined using SEM. Functional groups involved in the adsorption process were identified using FT-IR spectrum analysis. The kinetics was examined using pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models and the Weber Morris model. The adsorption equilibrium and adsorption capacities of chlorella were presented by determining isotherms. Based on the Langmuir isotherm, it was found that the maximum adsorption capacity of the adsorbent is approximately 35 mg of copper per 1 g of adsorbent, while according to the Jovanović isotherm, chlorella is capable of adsorbing 6.67 mg of cadmium per 1 g of adsorbent.