Removal of phosphate and nitrate from aqueous solution using seagrass <i>Cymodocea rotundata</i> beads

Abstract

The aim of the present study was the removal of phosphate and nitrate by sodium alginate seagrass (Cymodocea rotundata) beads from aqueous solutions. The adsorption characteristics of phosphate and nitrate on the seagrass beads were optimized under different operational parameters like adsorbent dosage, initial concentration of phosphate and nitrate, retention time and pH. The results showed that 71% of phosphate and 62% of nitrate removal was obtained using this seagrass beads. It is concluded that seagrass beads is a relatively efficient, low cost and easily available adsorbent for the treatment of nutrients rich wastewater.

Keywords: Biosorption, seagrass, Cymodocea rotundata, nutrients, beads.