Biosorption of Cu²⁺ Metal Ions Using Immobilized Green Algae (Spirogyra Setiformis) Biomass with Sodium Silicate

Nurul Aulia (Universitas Negeri Padang)
Mawardi Mawardi (Universitas Negeri Padang)

Formosa Journal of Applied Sciences (FJAS)
Vol. 4 No. 10 (2025): October 2025

This study aims to evaluate the performance of Spirogyra setiformis biomass immobilized with sodium silicate as a biosorbent for the removal of Cu²⁺ ions from aqueous solutions. The research investigates the effects of pH, initial ion concentration, and flow rate as independent variables, while adsorption capacity serves as the dependent variable. A column system was employed, with biosorbent characterization conducted using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and adsorption capacity analyzed through Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) during the observation period. The results showed that the immobilized Spirogyra exhibited good stability, significant Cu²⁺ adsorption capacity, and reusability over several cycles. Application to real wastewater samples also demonstrated high effectiveness, indicating its potential as a sustainable and low-cost biosorbent for heavy metal remediation in aquatic environments.