Bioremoval of Iron From Water Sources by Using One Species of Micro Algae (Phormidium Tenue)

Abstract

Background: The disturbance of aquatic ecosystems provoked by heavy metals pollution from industrial and domestic sources, has as consequence the loss of biological diversity, as well as increased bioaccumulation and magnification of toxicants in the food chain. Aim: the aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficiency of an isolated blue-green alga (cyanobacterium) Phormidium tenue in removal of iron (Fe3+) from aqueous solutions. Methods: Experiment study using a wide concentrations range of metal solutions on the growth of the algal cultures was conducted. Chlorophyll (a), in addition to fresh weight of the isolated alga were estimated for various concentrations of the selected heavy metal (Fe3+) throughout the experimental period. Results: The data show that the lower doses of the tested metal had stimulatory effect on biomass yield of Phormidium tenue, whereas the higher concentrations exhibited an inhibitory effects, depending on the metal concentration, exposure time, alga sensitivity,..etc. Phormidium tenue recorded 80% removal efficiency for Fe3+. So, the studied alga offer a good system for bioaccumulation of the tested heavy metal. The morphological and anatomical changes in treated alga by heavy metal were studied by SEM & TM). These examinations showed some alterations in algal form and cellular components for tested alga. Conclusion: The results showed that Phormidium sp. can be used as a potential bioaccumulator for Fe3+ removal process .