The role of ion charge density and solubility in the biosorption of heavy metals by natural biofilm matrix of polluted freshwater: the cases of Mg(II), Cr(VI), and Cu(II)

ABSTRACT

One major cause of aquatic pollution is the accumulation of heavy metal ions. This review is aimed to examine the application of natural biofilm as biosorbent for Mg(II), Cr(VI), and Cu(II), as an eco-friendly, economical, and efficient remediation strategy. Biofilm matrices were collected from different freshwater ecosystems to observe their biosorption properties. The compared EPM values of the different biofilms showed a universal trend. Additionally, the adsorption kinetics of all three ions occurred within 1 minute. The amount of adsorbed Mg(II) was higher than Cu(II), owing to the larger charge density of Mg(II). Interestingly, the b values revealed that Mg(II) was desorbed the quickest among the three ions, which is likely to be influenced by its highest solubility. Thus, both charge density and solubility determined the ions’ biosorption characteristics. Therefore, physicochemical properties of heavy metal pollutants should be understood to achieve an effective bioremediation by natural biofilm.

KEYWORDS:

• biofilm matrix
• heavy metal pollution treatment
• adsorption kinetics and isotherm
• charge density
• ion solubility

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Y. Tsuchiya from Nihon University, Japan, for the EPM measurement and the discussion. This research is supported by the government of Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology.

Author contributions

Wresti L. Anggayasti formulates research concepts, conducts literature studies, analyzes data, and writes the manuscript. Lutfi Ni’matus Salamah conducts experiments and analyzes data. Augustriandy Rizkymaris conducts experiments and analyzes data. Tatsuya Yamamoto formulates research concepts and analyzes data. Andi Kurniawan formulates research concepts, conducts experiments, analyzes data, and writes the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the Kementerian Pendidikan, Kebudayaan, Riset, dan Teknologi .