In laboratory the parameters of mercury ions sorption from solutions of HgCl₂ by the algae Spirogyra sp were investigated. Due to instability of the prepared mercury solutions  of concentrations at 0.07 μg Hg/dm³ level, the preparation procedure was developed which enabled control of changes in mercury concentrations in solution during the sorption process within ± 8%.

To describe equilibrium states the Langmuir isotherm model was used. It was found that algae absorbs mercury proportionally to its content in the solution, with which algae have been in contact.

In next steps several experiments to assess the compatibility of isotherm parameters with the parameters of equilibrium occurring in natural surface waters were performed. In this experiment the processed, lyophilised algae immersed for 30 min. in the studied waters were used. The concentrations of mercury in algae after the process of sorption and in water samples were determined and compared with each other. The determination of mercury in water samples was performed  in accordance with EN 1483:2007.

It was shown that algae Spirogyra sp. can be used for the biosensor of mercury pollution in surface water.

Mercury concentrations were determined using mercury analyzer AMA 254.

• 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/24889 must be provided.

1. Sorption properties of algae Spirogyra sp. and their use for heavy metals determination in surface water
2. Heavy metals sorption in lichen cationactive layer
3. Ion equilibrium in lichen surrounding