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Abstract
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This study investigated the optimization of the heavy metal removal from synthetic wastewater by Chlorella
vulgaris and Sargassum angustifolium by comparative bioaccumulation and biosorption. The primary metals to be
studied were iron (Fe2+), manganese (Mn2+), and zinc (Zn2+). Experimental design, based on the employment of
the Box-Behnken response surface methodology, involved various factors such as the dose of algal biomass, metal
concentration, and contact time to obtain optimal efficiencies in the metal removal. The results indicate that the
removal efficiency by C. vulgaris is greater than S. angustifolium in all the circumstances, and the maximal efficiencies in the Fe2+, Mn2+, and Zn2+ removal are 83.59 %, 74.60 %, and 78.98 %, respectively. Due to its high
surface area, cell structure, and metabolic activity, C. vulgaris often exhibits high biosorption rates for heavy
metals. The results suggested the Mn2+ and Zn2+ adsorption to be greater through the biosorption mechanism
and Fe2+ through bioaccumulation. The adsorbent characterization by FTIR and SEM also exhibited considerable
structure alteration after metal adsorption, indicating the functional group involvement in the metal uptake. The
current research highlights the potential of C. vulgaris as a sustainable and cost-effective solution for treating
wastewater. Additionally, the treated water can be used to cultivate algal biomass, thereby promoting a circular economy. Future research could involve the integration of the same in biofuel generation to increase the efficiency in wastewater handling and bioenergy generation.
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