Abstract

The application of Chlorella vulgaris microalgae inthe adsorption of heavy metals is an economical and veryefficient method. Being negatively charged, the heavy metalshave a high affinity with polyvalent metal ions. The adsorptioncapacity of Zinc (Zn) and Lead (Pb) found in the leachate wasstudied taking into account the biomass production indices ofthe microalgae. In order to evaluate its adaptability in theenvironment, a pilot test was carried out with 2 samples: MP01consisting of 3 L of leachate + 100 mL of Chlorella vulgaris;MP02 consisting of 3L of leachate + 200 mL of Chlorella vulgaris.The results of the pilot test showed that the leachateconcentration was unfavorable for its growth; for this reason, itwas decided to carry out a second experimental test with adilution of 1:3, thus creating the necessary conditions for itsgrowth. M01 made up of 3 L of dilution + 250 mL of Chlorellavulgaris and M02 made up of 3 L of dilution + 500 mL ofChlorella vulgaris. The results indicated that M02 presentedbetter adaptability in the dilution; Regarding the adsorption ofPb, M01 presented an absorption of 72.09% and M02 reachedan adsorption of 53.40%. For Zn adsorption, M01 had anadsorption of 88.98% and M02 reached an adsorption of94.13%. It is concluded that the Chlorella vulgaris microalga canadapt to the leachate in a 1:3 dilution and with an optimalconcentration of 500 mL, it is also significantly effective in theadsorption of Zn and Pb.