Study of the parameters affecting the binding of metals in solution by Chlorella vulgaris

The ability of Chlorella vulgaris to accumulate heavy metals in solution (Mn, Cr, Ni, Zn and Cu) was investigated. Various parameters (algal biomass, pH and contact time of the algae with the sample) have been studied. Nine mg of algal biomass, pH 8 and 15 min of contact time, with 1 ppm of each metal, were the optimized conditions. At pH 8, the optimum value to rise the maximum binding, a fraction of metals in solution precipitates forming hydroxides. Combining both processes, a chemical–biological system for the removing of metals at ppb levels from the environment is obtained. The simultaneous determination of these five metals was performed by capillary electrophoresis (CE) with a UV/Vis detector.