Adsorption of heavy metals from matured leachate by Gracilaria. sp extract

Abstract

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) landfill leachate is a serious environmental issue and treated using various methods, mostly involving biological treatment. In the present study, Gracilaria.sp extract was used for the treatment of matured landfill leachate containing heavy metals (As, Fe, Ni, and Cd) and Formaldehyde (FA). Specifically, this study was carried out to investigate the adsorption rate of heavy metals and formaldehyde by Gracilaria.sp extract. Four variants of Gracilaria.sp extract were used in the present investigation; 10, 20, 50, and 100 mg/L. The process performance of the treatment was characterized in terms of pollutant removal before and after the treatment process. Results showed that high adsorption of heavy metals were observed compared to the FA compound. Fe was absorbed at the fastest rate as it was not detected in the leachate sample after day one. The FA was removed completely after ten days at a gel concentration of 100 mg/L. Similar trend was also observed for the Cd where it was completely removed after ten days (at 50 mg/L Gracilaria.sp extract). However, Ni was not removed even after ten days, suggesting more time was required for the treatment process. As was removed in five days at a gel concentration of 50 mg/L.