Biosorption Potential of Sargassum for Removal of Aqueous Dye Solutions

Abstract

Sargassum muticum is an invasive species to the coasts of the British Isles, mainland Europe and North America, with negative ecological and socioeconomic impacts. Pelagic Sargassum inundations on the beaches of the Caribbean have also been causing adverse health, ecological and economic effects. The finding of commercial uses of these biomasses may alleviate the costs of removal and control. Both pelagic Sargassum and S. muticum could be low-cost biosorbents for removing aqueous cationic dyes but may not be suitable for anionic substances without modification. This study found that a Sargassum biomass could remove up to 93% of methylene blue and that the species, concentration and treatment (CaCl2) were all statistically highly significant factors (p < 0.001) in its removal.

Keywords

• <i>Sargassum</i> spp.
• methylene blue
• brilliant blue
• congo red
• biosorption
• dye removal