Abstract:
The purpose of conduction of this study is to determine the potential of micro
algae Chlorella vulgaris for the removal of a pesticide; Chlorpyrifos, from pesticide
contaminated water. Two sets of samples were prepared in water and BG11 media
with two different concentrations of pesticide, which were taken to check the effect
of pesticide concentration on biosorption potential of microalgae. Each sample
contained known amounts of algae that was 0.6 g per 100 ml of solution. Before
analysis pH of each sample was measured. The algae used for the experimental work
was collected and pretreated according to standard protocols. HPLC-MS analysis of
each sample showed different peaks in chromatograph which showed remaining
amount of pesticide in samples. The results showed the maximum biosorption of the
opesticides at the initial concentration of 2 μl as compared to initial concentration of
10 μl, when same conditions of living and dead biomass were compared. These
experiments proved that microalgae have a great potential for the biosorption of a
single pesticide. An average of 96% for the removal of pesticide was obtained that
showed that microalgae are very efficient biosorption microorganisms.
