The biological role of chitosan which was prepared by chemical method from
shrimp waste Penaeus semisulcatus and the outer skeleton for marine crab Portunus
pelagicus in some industrial and agricultural applications were studied. The
concentration
of prepared chitosan was 1% (w/v) at pH (4 and 8) for 12 hours in
precipitation and chelating heavy metals (Lead, Zinc, Iron, Cupper and Cadmium)
from of sewage water. Concentration of elements was measured by Flame Atomic
Absorption Spectrophotometer ) FAAS). The results of the study indicated that the
concentration of the water elements was high before treated with chitosan. The
results showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in element concentration percentage
after treated with crab chitosan. In contrast, shrimp chitosan displayed a minimum
effect on decreasing the amount of heavy metals. Moreover, the results showed that
the higher percentage for mineral adsorption was at pH (4 as compared with 8).
The results confirmed the possibility of using chitosan in chelate and precipitate the
mineral ions from polluted water.
