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Type of Document Master's Thesis Author Kaulbach, Emily Scanlon URN etd-12152004-172705 Title Surface Complexation Modeling of Proton and Cd Adsorption onto an Algal Cell Wall Degree Master of Science Department Civil Engineering and Geological Sciences Advisory Committee
Advisor Name Title Dr. Jeremy Fein Committee Chair Dr. Jeffrey W. Talley Committee Member Dr. Patricia Maurice Committee Member Keywords
- algal adsorption
- surface complexation
Date of Defense 2004-08-18 Availability restricted Abstract This study quantifies Cd adsorption onto the algal species Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata’s cell wall by applying an equilibrium thermodynamics approach to model the observed adsorption behavior. Potentiometric titrations are used to determine deprotonation constants and site concentrations for the functional groups on the algal cell wall. Adsorption experiments conducted as a function of pH and total Cd concentration yielded the stoichiometry and site-specific stability constants for the important Cd-algal surface complexes. The acid/base properties of the cell wall are modeled best by invoking four discrete surface functional group types. Application of this surface complexation modeling approach enables quantitative assessment of algal adsorption effects on aqueous metal mobilities. The results suggest that the stabilities of the Cd-surface complexes are high enough for algal adsorption to affect the fate and transport of Cd, but that on a per gram basis, bacteria exhibit higher buffering capacities and stabilities of the Cd-cell wall surface complexes.Files
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