BIOSORPTION OF CU (II) BY SCENEDESMUS OBLIQUUS: OPTIMIZATION IN PHOVASOLI HAEMOTOCOCCUS MEDIUM

Abstract

Biosorption of copper (Cu2+) in electroplating wastewater by biosorbent using Scenedesmus
obliquus green algae has been investigated in the artificial medium of Phovasoli Haemotococcus Medium
(PHM). The study aims to find an alternative for the treatment of wastewater containing copper (Cu2+) using
S.obliquus as a biosorbent, uses a batch test with various pH 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 as well as the various contact time of
60, 120, 180, 240 and 300 minutes. Some ratios of wastes versus nutrients (Cu2+ : nutrient) in the treatment were
A (1: 3), B (1: 1), C (3: 1) and D (100% of waste) with the initial concentration respectively, A (5.05 mg/L), B
(16.54 mg/L), C (21.85 mg/L) and D (30.28 mg/L) at 28°C ± 2. The results of the study show that the
biosorption rate and the abilities of the sorbent are influenced by pH and contact time (adsorption rate). The
maximum uptake rate for Cu2+ was obtained at pH 6 in 240 minutes. In the ratio of waste: nutrient = 1: 3, the
uptake rate was 65.54% ± 8.04 while when 100% waste, the uptake rate was 41.99% ± 1.01. The adsorption of
copper (Cu2+) is due to the destruction of the cell wall. Analysis of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) shows the
adsorption band of functional groups such as carboxyl, amine, and alkene. It indicates the interaction between
S.obliquus and the copper ion (Cu2+). The adsorption process of this study follows the Freundlich isotherm
equation.