Application of tracer packet technique to the study of the bio-sorption of heavy and toxic metal radionuclides by algae

The bio-sorption of heavy and toxic radionuclides by three genera of algae from different taxonomic groups was studied employing the recently developed 'Tracer Packet' technique. The tracer packet of heavy and toxic metals' contained ¹⁹⁷Hg, ^{198,199,200,201}Tl, ^199,200,201Pb, ²⁰⁴Bi and ^204,205Po radionuclides in carrier-free state and was produced by irradiating a gold metal foil with medium energy ⁷Li and ¹²C beams successively in a 12 MV Pelletron. Three genera, Spirulina from Cyanophyceae, Oedogonium from Chlorophyceae and Catenella from Rhodophyceae were cultured in laboratory condition and were used in the experiment. The radionuclide accumulation varied according to different genera at different pH levels. At basic pH Spirulina showed a maximum radionuclide accumulation in comparison to other genera.