Evaluation of different granulated active carbons for removal of Microcystin-LR from contaminated water
Bhaskar, A.S.B.; Jayaraj, R.; Dangi, R.S.; Prasad, G.K.; Singh, B.; Rao, P.V.Lakshmana.
Journal of Environmental Biology 26(3): 511-515
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0254-8704 PMID: 16334290 Document Number: 592196
Most frequently encountered freshwater cyanobacterial toxin is Microcystin-LR (MC-LR). Microcystins released from Microcystis aeruginosa cells into water have been responsible for the death of humans, domestic and wild animals. Removal of microcystin by active carbon has been one of the best methods available so far. This study evaluated three grades of active carbon namely 40, 60 and 80 CTC (carbon tetrachloride capacity) for the removal efficiency of MC-LR from contaminated water. Kinetics of toxin removal was studied in time course experiments. Protection in mouse model was studied for the samples after the adsorption. Toxin quantitation was done by HPLC method. The MC-LR concentration after 24-h treatment with 40, 60 and 80 CTC carbons were 4.8, 3.3 and 1.3 micro g/ml, respectively, from an initial concentration of 5.2 micro g/ml. Protection in mouse bioassay was seen after 48, 24 and 2 h of adsorption time, respectively, for 40, 60 and 80 CTC carbons. Eighty CTC carbon was found to be most efficient in removing MC-LR from contaminated water.