Estudo da retenção da toxina de microcystis aeruginosa no bagaço de cana-de-açúcar e no carvão ativado

Abstract

Increasing urbanization rate with untreated sewage discharge in aquatic ecosystems, and the increased use of fertilizers for agricultural development are causes of the acceleration of cyanobacterial bloom in water fountains which are intended for human consumption. It is important that the treatment for water supply meets the specifications of legislation for the potability that requires removing cyanobacteria and their toxins. This work aimed to study the use of in natura sugarcane bagasse for microcystin-LR adsorption of Microcystis aeruginosa compared to activated carbon. Adsorption experiments were carried out at room temperature with three initial concentrations of microcystin-LR: 3.83, 3.33 and 2.36 μg.L-1 total time of 10 h, and physico-chemical characterization of adsorbents analyzing the removal of microcystin-LR. The performance was evaluated by the adsorption capacity and adsorption by the toxin removal efficiency. The results for in natura sugarcane bagasse did not allow the scope of microcystin concentration lower limit of 1.0 μg.L -1 established in the MS 2914/2011, however, it allowed 8% higher efficient removal of microcystin in bagasse sugarcane compared to activated carbon to higher concentration of adsorbents, even with surface area of 1.28 m2.g-1 and less porous and heterogeneous surface than coal. The best removal rate was 65% microcystin concentration to 2.36 μg.L-1 on activated carbon. It was also found that the performance of adsorbents was best represented by the Freundlich Isotherm of Model than the Model Langmuir Isotherm. In general, the use of in natura sugar bagasse for removing microcystin proves to be an alternative water treatment compared to other adsorbents, however, it needs further studies.