In Situ Functionalization of Iron Oxide Particles with Alginate: A Promising Biosorbent for Retention of Metal Ions.

In this study, alginate extracted from marine algae biomass was used for the functionalization of iron oxide particles obtained in situ. This procedure ensured a complete recovery of the alginate from the aqueous solution obtained after extraction and allowed the preparation of a new biosorbent. The obtained iron oxide microparticles functionalized with alginate (Alg-FeO-MPs) were analyzed (FTIR spectrometry, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy), and their biosorptive performance was tested for the removal of Cu(II), Co(II) and Zn(II) ions.

Equilibrium and Kinetics Studies of Metal Ions Biosorption on Alginate Extracted from Marine Red Algae Biomass ( sp.).

Biosorption is a viable alternative that can be used to remove heavy metal ions from aqueous effluents, as long as the biosorbent used is cost-effective and efficient. To highlight this aspect in this study, alginate extracted from marine red algae biomass ( sp.) was used as biosorbent for the removal of Cu(II), Co(II) and Zn(II) ions from aqueous media.