Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Agriculture - Department of Agricultural Engineering

Industrial wastewater containing heavy metals is a major environmental problem that needs to be treated. This study reported the ability of two fresh water algae cyanobacteria (Nostoc muscorum and Anabaena variabilis) to remove lead and cadmium from aqueous solutions of four different initial concentrations (0 to 50 mg L{u2212}1 and 0 to 2 mg L{u2212}1) for lead and cadmium respectively, for 21 days under controlled laboratory conditions. Results obtained in this study showed that a maximum removal of Pb(II) (97.8% and 71.4%) by N. muscorum and A. variabilis respectively, at 15 mg L{u2212}1 initial metal concentration after 16 day of incubation. Otherwise, maximum removal of Cd(II) (93.4% and 89.13%) by N. muscorum and A. variabilis respectively, at 0.5 mg L{u2212}1 initial metal concentration after 21 day of incubation. N. muscorum appeared to be more efficient than A. variabilis for removing Pb(II) and Cd(II). Algal growth, pigments in the algae cells were measured during incubation period. Lower concentrations of lead increased biomass, OD, chlorophyll a and carotenoids in both algae. On the other hand, higher concentrations were inhibitory for growth. While, high concentrations of cadmium had a more toxic effect on the growth of algae

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