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Research Article

Interaction between Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae and lead nitrate: lead adsorption from water

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Pages 1168-1179 | Published online: 02 Jan 2024
 

Abstract

Our study aims to investigate the response of the unicellular alga, Haematococcus pluvialis, to the toxicity of lead and propose a low-cost, highly efficient biological adsorbent for the purification of wastewater and lead-contaminated water. The first part examines the effects of lead toxicity on certain physiological indicators of this alga. In the second part, the potential of this alga in lead removal and its adsorption capacity was assessed. The alga was cultivated in a BG11 medium and treated with lead nitrate concentrations of 10, 50, and 200 mg/L during its exponential growth. The results showed that with an increase in lead concentration up to 200 mg/L, the growth rate, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoid and total protein content decreased, while malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased. The astaxanthin content slightly increased at the 10 mg/L but decreased at the 200 mg/L treatment. Maximum lead adsorption was observed at 98.69% under optimal conditions, including a pH of 6, an adsorbent dose of 1 g/L, a lead concentration of 25 mg/L, a temperature of 25 °C, and an exposure time of 120 min. The results of this study demonstrate that Haematococcus pluvialis has the potential for effective lead removal from aquatic environments.

NOVELTY STATEMENT

While the influence of heavy metals on certain algae species has been explored, research on the impact of lead on Haematococcus pluvialis—a microalga of significant interest for astaxanthin production—remains uncharted territory. Therefore, understanding the impact of this heavy metal and the alga’s metal absorption capabilities has profound implications for biotechnology and bioremediation applications. This study promotes H. pluvialis as an economically viable lead absorbent suitable for both industrial and domestic purposes.

Graphical Abstract

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethical approval

This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals, Clinical Trials Registration, or Plant Reproducibility performed by any of the authors.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported entirely by funds internal to the university (University of Tabriz).

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