Pb²⁺ biosorption on Sargassum ilicifolium in the presence of Na⁺ and quaternary ammonium cations

Quaternary ammonium cations (or quats) and Na⁺ were used as model interfering ions that could possibly influence the uptake of Pb²⁺ in wastewater by dead algal biomass of Sargassum ilicifolium. This biosorption study consisted of four sets of batch experiments: Pb²⁺; Pb²⁺/Na⁺; Pb²⁺/quats; Pb²⁺/Na+/quats. The effect of the presence of ions other than Pb²⁺ on the maximum extent of adsorption on the biomass was determined. Equilibrium data gathered suggested that improved Pb²⁺ adsorption could occur in the presence of quats. On the other hand, the presence of Na+ lowered the maximum extent of adsorption of Pb²⁺, particularly at low initial concentrations of Pb²⁺. In the presence of both Na⁺ and quats, more Pb²⁺ were adsorbed than when only one type of interfering ions was present. (paper)