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Project Code [2006-S-ET-13]

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Project title

Development of a modified seaweed biofiltration system for the control of metals and other pollutants in an industry waste-stream

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT)

Lead Applicant

Eddy Fitzgerald

Project Abstract

Three different species of non-living seaweeds biomass (Fucus vesiculosus Polysiphonia lanosa and Ulva lactuca) and a seaweed waste product derived from Ascophyllum nodosum (referred to as WAP) were studied for the biosorption of single and combined heavy metals (Ni(II) Zn(II) Al(III) and Sb(III)). Very high biosorption rates were recorded for the removal of Ni(II) Zn(II) and Al(III) for WAP/agar blocks and Sb(III) for P. lanosa/agar blocks. An antagonistic effect was observed when Sb(III) was mixed with the other metals leading to a reduction in uptake. However most of Sb(III) was removed by dead biomass of P. lanosa/agar. Sorption isotherm studies as well as an investigation of the antagonistic effects of Sb(III) on the sorption of the other metals were also carried out. WAP/agar blocks were used to test a laboratory scale fixed bed sorption column. Both short and long term studies were investigated. COMSOL software was used to generate models to predict breakthrough curves and simulate biosorption performance

Grant Approved

�40,000.00

Research Hub

Natural Environment

Research Theme

Protecting our Water Resources

Start Date

22/01/2007

Initial Projected Completion Date

21/01/2008