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Insights into manganese removal from mine water by Chlorella vulgaris

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Abstract

Microalgae have been extensively applied on bioremediation processes and biosorption is usually considered the main mechanism describing metal removal from wastewaters. Nevertheless, the water chemistry is modified during algal growth and the increase in both pH and oxygen concentrations result in metal precipitation. In this regard, the aim of the current study is to investigate how these two phenomena promote metal removal from waters, applying Chlorella vulgaris and high concentrations of manganese (50 mg/L)—one of the most common and difficult metals to be removed from fresh- and wastewaters alike. Triplicate experiments were carried out at 25 °C and 150 min−1 under 24 h/day of artificial light and revealed that the growth of C. vulgaris was associated with a reduction in Mn2+ concentration to values below 1 mg/L, as the pH changed from 6.2 to 9.6, within 14 days. Biosorption as a removal mechanism appears not to be relevant as the manganese uptake by the C. vulgaris cells was actually reduced from 10.9 mg/g (10 min) to 0.9 mg/L, within 24 h of testing, indicating desorption of the manganese initially adsorbed. Furthermore, the formation of brown precipitates containing Mn3+/Mn4+ oxy-hydroxides was observed, which was confirmed upon reaction with leucoberbelin blue (LBB) solutions. In addition, no evidence of the participation of extracellular materials on Mn2+ removal was observed. These outcomes support the hypothesis that an increase in pH, resulting from the growth of C. vulgaris, is responsible for increasing pH to values above 8.0, values in which Mn2+ oxidation is catalysed.

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Acknowledgements

This work had the support of the Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto and funds were provided by the agencies CAPES, FAPEMIG, FINEP and CNPq. The CAPES and CNPq scholarships to G. Cândido and V. Leão, respectively, are particularly recognized.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bio and Hydrometallurgy Laboratory, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Campus Morro do Cruzeiro, s.n., Bauxita, Ouro Preto, MG, 35400-000, Brazil

    G. C. Cândido, A. A. Santos, A. F. Santiago & V. A. Leão

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  1. G. C. Cândido
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  2. A. A. Santos
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  3. A. F. Santiago
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  4. V. A. Leão
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Contributions

GC Cândido defined and carried out the experimental work and data analysis and was also responsive for writing; AA Santos carried out the experimental work and data analysis; AF Santiago advised the student and revised the research; VAL advised Cândido and Santos and was responsible for reviewing, translating and editing the document.

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Correspondence to V. A. Leão.

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Editorial responsibility: N.S. El-Gendy.

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Cândido, G.C., Santos, A.A., Santiago, A.F. et al. Insights into manganese removal from mine water by Chlorella vulgaris. Int. J. Environ. Sci. Technol. 21, 4715–4726 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-023-05290-0

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