Biochemical characterization of Macrocystis pyrifera and Undaria pinnatifida (Phaeophyceae) in relation to their potentiality as biosorbents

VIERA MARISA; JOSEFINA PLAZA, EDGARDO DONATI; SILVIA SALA

PHYCOLOGIA

INT PHYCOLOGICAL SOC

Lugar: Lawrence; Año: 2014 vol. 53 p. 100 - 108

0031-8884

Undaria pinnatifida and Macrocystis pyrifera from Patagonia were characterized in terms of the alginate, protein, total carbohydrate and organic matter content, cation exchange capacity and acid-base properties to assess the suitability of both species as potential biosorbents of metals. Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy equipped with Energy Dispersive X-ray microanalysis system, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Brunauer, Emmett and Teller surface area analysis were also applied for characterization. The results showed that U. pinnatifida had higher percentage of organic matter, alginate and protein and a larger specific surface area than M. pyrifera, although the later exhibited a higher ionic exchange capacity. The groups with a weak acid behavior represented 84% and 97% of the total acid groups in M. pyrifera and U. pinnatifida, respectively. FT-IR analysis confirmed the presence of different chemical groups such as sulfonate in both biomaterial M. pyrifera and U. pinnatifida. Besides, Zn(II) adsorption capacity was different among different parts of the thallus of each species. The difference founded in the physicochemical properties of both algae could affect their biosorption capacities