Biologically Active Substances and Sorption Capacity of the Diatom Climaconeis scalaris (Brebisson) E.J. Cox

Document Type : Original Article

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10.21608/ejabf.2025.414147.6411

Abstract

Diatoms are known as a valuable natural source of biologically active compounds with potential uses in medicine, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and environmental applications. Among these compounds, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which cannot be synthesized by the human body, are of particular importance. After the extraction of biologically active substances, the remaining algal biomass deserves attention, as it can be used as a sorbent for pollutants such as synthetic dyes, heavy metals, and antibiotics in wastewater. In this study, the processing of the Black Sea diatom Climaconeis scalaris was examined. Gas–liquid chromatography showed that the lipid complex of C. scalaris mainly consisted of myristic (14:0), palmitic (16:0), palmitoleic (16:1), and alpha-linolenic (18:3) fatty acids, the latter being an essential polyunsaturated fatty acid. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of polysaccharides in the dry biomass. After lipids and polysaccharides were extracted, the remaining biomass demonstrated a strong ability to accumulate pollutants. It absorbed ciprofloxacin up to 391mg/ dm³ within the first 60 minutes, slightly increasing to 404mg/ dm³ after 120 minutes, and methylene blue up to 473mg/ dm³ in 60 minutes. In addition, the biomass showed good potential for removing heavy metals from model solutions, achieving purification efficiencies of 80% for Cu, 64% for Pb, 70% for Cd, and 76% for Zn. These results suggest that C. scalaris could be effectively used in wastewater treatment. This research supports Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and promotes the sustainable use of aquatic resources.

Keywords

Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries
Volume 29, Issue 6
November and December 2025
Pages 473-487

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