Separation and preconcentration of lead from aquatic environment using Microcystis-based biosorbent

The naturally abundant Microcystis surrounded by a slime layer has been imm obilized as biofilm on a polymer-modified silica gel to obtain a lead-selec tive robust column packing material which is recyclable for 70 times withou t any distinct deterioration. The biosorbent has shown quantitative sorptio n with a preconcentration factor of 83 for trace level lead ion (initial co ncentration 0.48 mug ml(1)) in multielemental/natural water samples at pH 5 .0 and flow rate 1.0 ml min(1).