Pb removal from water by three types of biofilters

Abstract

Introduction: As aquatic organisms are directly affected by water quality, the use and evaluation of biofilters aiming at the previous removal of Pb guarantee the adequate water physicochemical parameters to the maintenance of the organisms of interest. Objective: This note aims to report the results of a water pre-treatment testing three types of biofilters (river gravel and two types of seashell-based media: self-collected and commercial) to evaluate their ability to absorb and consequently remove the Pb from water. M&M: Temperature and salinity were measured using Hg thermometers and a refractometer, respectively. Commercial colorimetric test kits were used to monitor pH and the toxic ammonia concentration. The Pb determination was performed by using GF AAS analytical technique. Results: According to results, biofilters can significantly remove concentrations of Pb from the water column. The evaluated biofilters kept the water physical-chemical parameters stable. Results support the use of these biofilters to treat water before any experiment. Conclusion: This report may subside future studies on the use of these biofilters in other activities, such as aquaculture and waste treatment, to maintain the physical-chemical water parameters well-controlled. Statement of Novelty: The present study has tested in laboratory conditions, three types of biofilters (river gravel and two types of seashell-based media: self-collected and commercial) to evaluate their ability to absorb and consequently remove the Pb. This report may subside studies on the use of these biofilters in activities, such as aquaculture and waste treatment, to maintain the physical-chemical water parameters well-controlled, applying low-cost biomaterials.