Removal of Heavy Metals with Biomass of the Microalga Chlorella sp. Immobilized in Alginate Beads

This project focuses on the bioremediation of heavy metals (Chromium, Lead, and Cadmium) in aqueous effluents, addressing contamination generated by industrial activities. The proposed solution involves using the unicellular microalga Chlorella sp., leveraging its high biosorption capacity due to its cell wall and polysaccharides. Chlorella biomass was cultivated and scaled up using a medium based on Nitrofoska fertilizer, under controlled aeration and photoperiod conditions. Subsequently, the microalga was immobilized via encapsulation in sodium alginate beads, a method that facilitates biomass reuse and separation from the treated solution. Removal assays were conducted in glass columns using individual solutions of each metal, with alginate beads both with and without Chlorella serving as controls. Quantification of removed and retained metals was performed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Finally, viability tests were conducted to confirm the ability of the immobilized microalgae to survive and multiply after the treatment process.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To evaluate the removal capacity of Chromium, Lead, and Cadmium present in aqueous solutions using biomass of the microalga Chlorella sp. immobilized in alginate beads.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Biodiversity and genetic resources