12 Future Aspects
So far, most of the research has been done using the batch experiment but with
limited application in pilot-scale studies in the phycoremediation of heavy metals.
The pilot-scale data will be important data at the real application in industrial scale.
Different types of algae biosorbents with or without modification procedures have
tested for the effective removal of heavy metal ions from the contaminated environment. It provides higher adsorption capacity, low cost but low regeneration ability.
Therefore, more attention should give to improving regeneration ability. This
attempt has been prepared to immobilize algae biomass to ensure their potential to
reuse. However, need more studies on a large scale. Further research needs to be
done in the future on the development and enhancement of the adsorption capacity of
the algae sorbent material through selective surface modification procedures.
13 Conclusion
This review concluded that the importance of algal biomass for heavy metal removal
from the contaminated environment. The phycoremediation has advantages over
conventional and physio chemical methods in terms of cost, efficiency, hazards
nature, versatility, scale, appealing, and sustainability. Moreover, algae possess
numerous mechanisms (adsorption, absorption, precipitation, complex formation,
coagulation), and anionic functional molecules to remove heavy metal ions and
hence viewed as promising biosorbents. Algae biomass used in live or dead form for
the process, while dead biomass is superior over live in terms of time, recovery, and
reuse. Different algae have different potential in removing heavy metal; therefore
need to select the most appropriate algal biosorbents and favorable physical conditions for the specific heavy metal and the mixture depends on the medium contamination. Further development of innovative and applicable techniques is required to
overcome existing problems related to the phycoremdaition such as large-scale data,
strain improvement (molecular level), reuse, and disposal of used biomass.
Acknowledgments The support of the Directorate of Research and Technology Transfer, Addis
Ababa Science and Technology University, in funding Internal Research Grant (Code No. ICA
04/2011) to Dr. A. Suresh is gratefully acknowledged.
284
A. Ayele et al.
So far, most of the research has been done using the batch experiment but with
limited application in pilot-scale studies in the phycoremediation of heavy metals.
The pilot-scale data will be important data at the real application in industrial scale.
Different types of algae biosorbents with or without modification procedures have
tested for the effective removal of heavy metal ions from the contaminated environment. It provides higher adsorption capacity, low cost but low regeneration ability.
Therefore, more attention should give to improving regeneration ability. This
attempt has been prepared to immobilize algae biomass to ensure their potential to
reuse. However, need more studies on a large scale. Further research needs to be
done in the future on the development and enhancement of the adsorption capacity of
the algae sorbent material through selective surface modification procedures.
13 Conclusion
This review concluded that the importance of algal biomass for heavy metal removal
from the contaminated environment. The phycoremediation has advantages over
conventional and physio chemical methods in terms of cost, efficiency, hazards
nature, versatility, scale, appealing, and sustainability. Moreover, algae possess
numerous mechanisms (adsorption, absorption, precipitation, complex formation,
coagulation), and anionic functional molecules to remove heavy metal ions and
hence viewed as promising biosorbents. Algae biomass used in live or dead form for
the process, while dead biomass is superior over live in terms of time, recovery, and
reuse. Different algae have different potential in removing heavy metal; therefore
need to select the most appropriate algal biosorbents and favorable physical conditions for the specific heavy metal and the mixture depends on the medium contamination. Further development of innovative and applicable techniques is required to
overcome existing problems related to the phycoremdaition such as large-scale data,
strain improvement (molecular level), reuse, and disposal of used biomass.
Acknowledgments The support of the Directorate of Research and Technology Transfer, Addis
Ababa Science and Technology University, in funding Internal Research Grant (Code No. ICA
04/2011) to Dr. A. Suresh is gratefully acknowledged.
284
A. Ayele et al.