Biosorption of Pb (II) using Cladophora rivularis was examined as a function of initial pH heavy metal concentrations, temperature, and other co-existing ions. The optimum pH value for the biosorption of lead was 4.0. The adsorption equilibriums were well described by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models, and the results imply that the C. rivularis biomass is suitable for the development of efficient biosorbent in order to remove Pb (II) from wastewater and in the recovery of it. The high values of the correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.972) demonstrate equilibrium data concerning algal biomass, which fits well the Freundlich isotherms model equations well. The results of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy reflect the binding of lead on biomass occurring through electrostatic and complex reactions.
