The most commonly used biomonitors of atmospheric aerosol pollution are lichens [1, 2] and for assessment of surface waters contamination algae are frequently utilized [3]. Algae are very good sorbents of heavy metals. Utilization of their sorption properties in phytoremediation is investigated [4].

The aim of our investigations is assessment of algae utilization possibility for fast surface water classification as regards concentrations of heavy metals. In this case the classical AAS spectrometry requires solutions preconcentration.

Our investigation results concern mainly sorption kinetics of selected heavy metals  (Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb ) from solutions prepared in laboratory. It was found that after about 30 min sorption efficiency is 90-95 %. After 30 min of algae exposition in water polluted with heavy metals, the increase in metals concentrations in algae is proportional to their concentration in the investigated water sample.

For example, concentration of Cd in algae immersed for 30 min in solution with 0.005 mg∙dm^-3 of Cd (this concentration corresponds to the limit for IV class water) increased from 9.5 mg∙g^-1 d.m. to 17.3 mg∙g^-1 d.m. The standard deviation S.D. < ±10%.

[1] Kłos A., Rajfur M., Wacławek M. and Wacławek W.: Heavy metal sorption in the lichen cationactive layer, Bioelectrochemistry, 2007, 71(1), 60-65.

[2] Kłos A., Rajfur M., Wacławek M. and Wacławek W.: Determination of the atmospheric precipitation pH value on the basis of the analysis of lichen cationactive layer constitution, Electrochim. Act., 2006, 51(24), 5053-5061.

[3] Kamala-Kannan S., Prabhu Dass Batvari B., Jae Lee K., Kannan N., Krishnamoorthy R., Shanthi K. and Jayaprakash M.: Assessment of heavy metals (Cd, Cr and Pb) in water, sediment and seaweed (Ulva lactuca) in the Pulicat Lake, South East India,Chemosphere, 2008, 71, 1233-1240.

• Legal notice:
  

  Copyright (c) Pielaszek Research, all rights reserved.
  The above materials, including auxiliary resources, are subject to Publisher's copyright and the Author(s) intellectual rights. Without limiting Author(s) rights under respective Copyright Transfer Agreement, no part of the above documents may be reproduced without the express written permission of Pielaszek Research, the Publisher. Express permission from the Author(s) is required to use the above materials for academic purposes, such as lectures or scientific presentations.
  In every case, proper references including Author(s) name(s) and URL of this webpage: https://science24.com/paper/21892 must be provided.

1. Algae Spirogyra sp. – biosensor of surface waters pollution with mercury
2. Heavy metals sorption in lichen cationactive layer
3. Ion equilibrium in lichen surrounding