A Hybrid Biological-Adsorption Approach for the Treatment of Contaminated Groundwater Using Immobilized Nanoclay-Algae Mixtures

Mixing the Scenedesmus species with nanoclay and immobilizing in sodium alginate was evaluated as a sustainable treatment method for removing nitrate, atrazine, metals from groundwater. Gel beads containing hybrid mixture removed 100% of 10 mg/L N nitrate 98% 100 µg/L atrazine synthetic groundwater three days. The optimal amount found to be 0.30 mg per bead. experimental data fit well into Freundlich adsorption isotherm followed pseudo first-order kinetics. When tested actual groundwater, 91% Cr, Se, V were eliminated days without need any nutrients or carbon source. Immobilizing algal embedded is natural, low-cost alternative treatment. gel can reused at least two cycles compromise performance. They are water-insoluble, easy harvest, offer high removal efficiency.