Biosorption of Fluoride from Synthetic and Ground Water Using Chlorella vulgaris Immobilized in Calcium Alginate Beads in an Upflow Packed Bed Column

Abstract

The potential of immobilized Chlorella vulgaris to remove fluoride from synthetic and real ground water samples in a fixed bed was investigated. The effect of important kinetic parameters including column bed height, feed flow rate and influent fluoride concentration of solution on fluoride removal was studied. Thomas, Yoon-Nelson, and BDST models were used to analyze the experimental data and understand the influence on biosorption performance. The models’ predictions were in good agreement with the experimental data for all the process parameters studied, indicating that the models were suitable for fixed-bed column design. Fluoride adsorption was reversible. Desorption of fluoride ions was accomplished by pumping 0.1 N HCl solution. The reusability of adsorbent was studied by subjecting column to repeated cycles of fluoride adsorption and desorption. The suitability of immobilized C. vulgaris adsorbent for fluoride removal from ground water samples of Pavagada taluk, Tumakuru district was studied in the packed column.