Biosorption of Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions by aqueous solutions of novel alkalophillic Streptomyces VITSVK5 spp. biomass

Abstract

Discharge of heavy metals from metal processing industries is known to have adverse effects on the environment. Biosorption of heavy metals by metabolically inactive biomass of microbial organisms is an innovative and alternative technology for removal of these pollutants from aqueous solution. The search of marine actinobacteria with potential heavy metal biosorption ability resulted in the identification of a novel alkalophilic Streptomyces VITSVK5 species. The biosorption property of Streptomyces VITSVK5 spp. was investigated by absorbing heavy metals Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb). Physiochemical characteristics and trace metal concentration analysis of the backwater showed the concentrations of different metals were lead 13±2.1 µg L -1 , cadmium 3.1±0.3µg L -1 , zinc 8.4±2.6µg L -1 and copper 0.3±0.1µg L -1 , whereas mercury was well below the detection limit. The effect of pH and biomass dosage on removal efficiency of heavy metal ions was also investigated. The optimum pH for maximal biosorption was 4.0 for Cd (II) and 5.0 for Pb (II) with 41% and 84% biosorption respectively. The biosorbent dosage was optimized as 3 g L -1 for both the trace metals. Fourier transform infrared absorption spectrum results indicated the chemical interactions of hydrogen atoms in carboxyl (-COOH), hydroxyl (-CHOH) and amine (-NH 2 ) groups of biomass with the metal ions. This could be mainly involved in the biosorption of Cd (II) and Pb (II) onto Streptomyces VITSVK5 spp. The results of our study revealed Streptomyces metabolites could be used to develop a biosorbent for adsorbing metal ions from aqueous environments.

Hydrocarbon Pollution: Effects on Living Organisms, Remediation of Contaminated Environments, and Effects of Heavy Metals Co-Contamination on Bioremediation

“…Generally, heavy metals exert an inhibitory action on microorganisms by blocking essential functional groups, dislodging essential metal ions or transforming the active conformations of bio-molecules (Saurav and Kannabiran, 2011;Nies et al, 1999). After heavy metals ions entered into the cell, toxicity occurs through numerous biochemical pathways, which can be divided into five categories as follows (Harrison et al, 2007 1.…”

Isolation and identification of a mercury resistant strain

“…DNA of the isolate was isolated for molecular detection [1]. DNA was then incited and dissolved into 100 μl of TE buffer and stored at -20 °C for further use.…”

“…Mercury is highly toxic to environment and human beings, even in a low concentration [1]. It can accumulate along the food chain due to its non-biodegradability [2].…”

“…It can accumulate along the food chain due to its non-biodegradability [2]. Therefore, toxic effects of mercury are mostly pronounced on animals with higher nutrient levels [1]. Mercury sources are of both natural and anthropogenic origin.…”

“…As a consequence of its toxicity and risks to the environment and human health, studies on mercury pollution and its remediation have received more and more atten-________________________ *School of Resource and Environment, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, People's Republic of China, corresponding author De-Ju Cao, e-mail: cdj@ahau.edu.cn tion. Mercury removal from wastewater is one of the scientific topics attracting scientists globally [1]. Some physical and chemical treatments such as adsorption, chemical oxidation and incineration, have been suggested [5].…”