Biosorption of Fluoride from Aqueous Solution Using Ulva fasciata sp.: A Marine Green Algae

Abstract

Water is a useful and vital natural resource for sustaining life and environment that we have always thought to be available in abundance and free gift of nature. Enhanced industrial activity during recent decades has led to the discharge of unprecedented volumes of industrial waste water, which is a serious cause of environmental degradation. Excessive fluoride concentrations have been reported in ground waters of more than 20 developed and developing countries including India, where 19 states are facing acute fluorosis problems. This thesis presents results pertaining to the adsorptive studies carried out on fluoride removal onto algal biosorbent (Ulva fasciata sp.). Batch sorption studies were performed and the results revealed that biosorbent demonstrated ability to absorb the fluoride. The parameters which influence the adsorption of fluoride, such as the fluoride concentration, the dosage of the adsorbent, the size of the adsorbent and the concentration of metal solution studies were investigated. Experimental data showed good fit with the Langmuir’s adsorption model. Maximum fluoride sorption was observed at operating temperature.