Title: Accumulation and release of Pb(II) in aqueous solution by aquatic mosses (Fontinalis antipyretica)

Authors: Ramiro J.E. Martins; Olga M.M. Freitas; Vítor J.P. Vilar; Rui A.R. Boaventura

Addresses: Department of Chemical and Biological Technology, Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolonia, Apartado 1134, 5301-857 Bragança, Portugal. ' Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering SEP, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Rua Dr. Antonio Bernardino de Almeida, 431, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal. ' Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal. ' Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal

Abstract: The uptake and release of Pb(II) by Fontinalis antipyretica was studied in laboratory, by exposing the plants to different lead concentrations for 144 h and 335 h contamination and decontamination periods, respectively. A first order kinetic model was fitted to the experimental data to determine the uptake and release constants, k₁ and k₂, and other relevant parameters. The metal accumulation capacity, at equilibrium, follows the order: Pb(II) > Zn(II) > Cd(II) > Cr(VI). A Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) and a Biological Elimination Factor (BEF) were also determined; for 0.9-2.2 mg Pb l⁻¹, BCF decreases from about 30748 to 21296.

Keywords: Fontinalis antipyretica; first-order models; kinetics; lead uptake; Pb(II); aqueous solutions; aquatic mosses; kinetic modelling.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2012.046392

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2012 Vol.9 No.3/4, pp.270 - 283

Published online: 13 Dec 2014 *

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