Bioremediation of metals by live green macroalgea Ulva reticulata in industrial wastewater of Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the ability of Ulva reticulata (Chlorophyta) to take up Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mg, Pb, and Zn from industrial wastewater. A 24h experiment was carried out under laboratory conditions and in situ, which were set up at two places; (1) the Bayan Lepas industrial area and (2) the coastal area close to Jerjak Island. The results showed that the initial amount of metals in Ulva reticulata were as follows: Mg>Fe>Zn>Mn>Ni>Cu>Cr>Co>Cd~Pb>V. However, after being exposed to experimental conditions for 24h, the sequence amount of the metals in the tissue changed. Fe showed the highest uptake in situ; its maximum uptake was 869.0 ±84.1 μg.g¹, and Mg had maximum uptake in the laboratory, which was 487.8±130 µg.g¹. Cadmium had lowest uptake in both in situ and under laboratory conditions; its lowest uptake was 0.04±0.027 µg.g1. The uptake capability of U. reticulata was dependent on metal concentration in the water and under experimental conditions. The study revealed that U.reticulata is one of the candidates to improve the quality of the water discharged from industrial areas.