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Removal of Toxic Heavy Metals from Contaminated Aqueous Solutions Using Seaweeds: A Review

Author

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  • Edward Hingha Foday Jr

    (Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region of the Ministry of Education, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China
    Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Water and Environment, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China
    Faculty of Education, Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone, Combema Road, Kenema City 00232, Sierra Leone)

  • Bai Bo

    (Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region of the Ministry of Education, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China
    Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Water and Environment, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China
    Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Research, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810008, China
    Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Research, Xining 810001, China)

  • Xiaohui Xu

    (Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region of the Ministry of Education, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China
    Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Water and Environment, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China)

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination affects lives with concomitant environmental pollution, and seaweed has emerged as a remedy with the ability to save the ecosystem, due to its eco-friendliness, affordability, availability, and effective metal ion removal rate. Heavy metals are intrinsic toxicants that are known to induce damage to multiple organs, especially when subjected to excess exposure. With respect to these growing concerns, this review presents the preferred sorption material among the many natural sorption materials. The use of seaweeds to treat contaminated solutions has demonstrated outstanding results when compared to other materials. The sorption of metal ions using dead seaweed biomass offers a comparative advantage over other natural sorption materials. This article summarizes the impact of heavy metals on the environment, and why dead seaweed biomass is regarded as the leading remediation material among the available materials. This article also showcases the biosorption mechanism of dead seaweed biomass and its effectiveness as a useful, cheap, and affordable bioremediation material.

Suggested Citation

  • Edward Hingha Foday Jr & Bai Bo & Xiaohui Xu, 2021. "Removal of Toxic Heavy Metals from Contaminated Aqueous Solutions Using Seaweeds: A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-17, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:21:p:12311-:d:674305
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    Cited by:

    1. Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences & Interagency Working Group for Farming Seaweeds and Seagrasses & Editors: & Price, Nichole N. & Rexroad, Caird & Quigley, Charlotte & Stamieszkin, Karen & Langto, 2024. "Farming Seagrasses and Seaweeds: Responsible Restoration & Revenue Generation," USDA Miscellaneous 347311, United States Department of Agriculture.

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