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The Efficiency of Chlorella vulgaris in Heavy Metal Removal: A Comparative Study of Mono- and Multi-Component Metal Systems

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  • Eleni Kyratzopoulou

    (Laboratory of Archaeometry and Physicochemical Measurements, Athena—Research and Innovation Center in Information, Communication and Knowledge Technologies, Kimmeria University Campus, P.O. Box 159, GR-67100 Xanthi, Greece)

  • Nikoletta Kyzaki

    (Laboratory of Archaeometry and Physicochemical Measurements, Athena—Research and Innovation Center in Information, Communication and Knowledge Technologies, Kimmeria University Campus, P.O. Box 159, GR-67100 Xanthi, Greece)

  • Lamprini Malletzidou

    (Laboratory of Archaeometry and Physicochemical Measurements, Athena—Research and Innovation Center in Information, Communication and Knowledge Technologies, Kimmeria University Campus, P.O. Box 159, GR-67100 Xanthi, Greece
    Laboratory of Advanced Materials and Devices, School of Physics, Faculty of Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Evangelos Nerantzis

    (Laboratory of Archaeometry and Physicochemical Measurements, Athena—Research and Innovation Center in Information, Communication and Knowledge Technologies, Kimmeria University Campus, P.O. Box 159, GR-67100 Xanthi, Greece)

  • Nikolaos A. Kazakis

    (Laboratory of Archaeometry and Physicochemical Measurements, Athena—Research and Innovation Center in Information, Communication and Knowledge Technologies, Kimmeria University Campus, P.O. Box 159, GR-67100 Xanthi, Greece)

Abstract

The occurrence of heavy metals in aquatic ecosystems is a serious environmental hazard, and their effective removal is imperative. In this regard, the feasibility of living microalga Chlorella vulgaris ( C. vulgaris ) to remove heavy metals (Ni, Pb, Zn, Cd, and Cu) is investigated by using 1, 5, and 10 ppm concentrations of single- and multiple-metal-treated (MT) cultures. Experiments were performed in controlled laboratory conditions, and metal removal analysis was performed through atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The cultures were also examined by means of optical microscopy, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to follow the cultures’ pigment content, cell population, and functional group changes during cultivation. The removal efficiency results of both single and multiple MT cultures were evaluated using the Langmuir isotherm model. The results indicate that C. vulgaris presents potential for heavy metal bioremediation, even towards multi-MT conditions, despite the influence of a competitive uptake in multi-MT cultures. In mono-MT cultures, the removal efficiency of C. vulgaris presents values of 65–99% on Day 3 and 72–99% on Day 7 of cultivation, while the results for the multi-MT cultures are 49–99% and 62–99% for Days 3 and 7 of cultivation, respectively. The research illustrates the potential for C. vulgaris as a promising biosorbent for heavy metal remediation along with its post-treatment use in applications supporting the green circular economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Eleni Kyratzopoulou & Nikoletta Kyzaki & Lamprini Malletzidou & Evangelos Nerantzis & Nikolaos A. Kazakis, 2025. "The Efficiency of Chlorella vulgaris in Heavy Metal Removal: A Comparative Study of Mono- and Multi-Component Metal Systems," Clean Technol., MDPI, vol. 7(2), pages 1-24, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jcltec:v:7:y:2025:i:2:p:35-:d:1637571
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Safi, Carl & Zebib, Bachar & Merah, Othmane & Pontalier, Pierre-Yves & Vaca-Garcia, Carlos, 2014. "Morphology, composition, production, processing and applications of Chlorella vulgaris: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 35(C), pages 265-278.
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