Biosorption of Cu2+ and Zn2+ by raw and autoclaved Rocella phycopsis.

The behavior of Cu2+ and Zn2+ biosorption onto raw and modified Roccella phycopsis from aqueous solutions was studied. Modification process was applied by autoclavation at 121 degrees C for 30 min. The effects of pH, initial metal concentration and biosorbent dosage were investigated. The maximum Cu2+ biosorption was achieved at pH 5.0 and the maximum biosorption capacities of 31.5 and 37.8 mg/g were recorded for raw and modified biosorbent, respectively. In the case of Zn2+ biosorption, maximum biosorption capacities were obtained at pH 4.0 as 29.1 and 35.3 mg/g for raw and modified biosorbent, respectively. Biosorption of Zn2+ and Cu2+ on all form of R. phycopsis increased much quickly with increasing initial metal concentrations from 10 to 100 mg/L. After modification process, probable changes in the surface polarity of raw and modified R. phycopsis were investigated by contact angle measurements. As expected, R. phycopsis has a polar surface and shows a highest contact angle with water, while after autoclavation water contact angle of R. phycopsis was significantly decreased from 47.5 degrees to 34.4 degrees.