Biosorption of chromium (Cr(III)/Cr(VI)) on the residual microalga Nannochloris oculata after lipid extraction for biodiesel production

Eun Jung Kim, Soojung Park, Hye Jin Hong, Yoon E. Choi, Ji Won Yang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

54 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In order to increase the economic feasibility of biodiesel production from microalgae, the residual biomass after biodiesel production can be utilized as biosorbent for heavy metal removal. In this study, biosorption of chromium by residual Nannochloris oculata after lipid extraction was investigated. Increased surface area of N. oculata was observed after lipid extraction. Cr(III) removal increased as the pH increased from 2 to 6, while Cr(VI) removal was highest at pH 2 and it decreased with the increase in pH. Cr(VI) was reduced to Cr(III) in the presence of biomass under acidic conditions; X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the converted Cr(III) was bound to the biomass. Chromium removal was significantly enhanced at high chromium concentrations, which indicates that surface reactions may occur at high chromium/biomass ratios. FTIR study indicated that phosphate and carboxyl functional groups of the biomass were mainly responsible for chromium binding.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)11155-11160
Number of pages6
JournalBioresource technology
Volume102
Issue number24
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011 Dec

Keywords

  • Biodiesel
  • Biosorption
  • Chromium
  • Microalgae
  • Residual biomass

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Bioengineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Waste Management and Disposal

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