Optimization of nickel and cobalt biosorption by native Serratia marcescens strains isolated from serpentine deposits using response surface methodology

Abstract

The treatment of metal-polluted wastes is a challenging issue of environmental concern. Metals can be removed using microbial biomass, and this is an interesting approach towards the design of eco-friendly technologies for liquid waste treatment. The study reported here aimed to optimize nickel and cobalt biosorption from aqueous solutions using three native metal–resistant Serratia marcescens strains. Ni(II) and Co(II) biosorption by S. marcescens strains was found to fit better to Langmuir’s model, with maximum uptake capacities of 13.5 mg g−1 for Ni(II) ions and 19.9 mg g−1 for Co(II) ions. Different experimental conditions of initial metal concentration, pH, initial biomass, and temperature were optimized using the Plackett–Burman method, and, finally, biomass and metal concentration were studied using the response surface methodology (RSM) to improve biosorption. The optimum uptake capacities for Co(II) ions by the three biosorbents used were obtained for initial metal concentrations of 35–40 mg L−1 and an initial biomass of 6 mg. For Ni(II) ions, the optimum uptake capacity was achieved with 1 mg of initial biomass for S. marcescens C-1 and C-19, and with 7 mg for S. marcescens C-16, with initial concentrations of 20–50 mg L−1. The results obtained demonstrate the viability of native S. marcescens strains as biosorbents for Ni(II) and Co(II) removal. This study also contributes to our understanding of the potential uses of serpentine microbial populations for the design of environmental cleanup technologies.

Efficient Mn(II) removal mechanism by Serratia marcescens QZB-1 at high manganese concentration

“…To date, most strains of Serratia sp. have shown excellent Ni(II), Co(II), Cr (VI), and Pb(II) removal abilities ( Han et al, 2018 ; Díaz et al, 2022 ; Wang X. Y. et al, 2022 ). Only a few strains have been reported to have Mn(II) removal capabilities.…”

An In Vitro Study of the Effects of Temperature and pH on Lead Bioremoval Using Serratia marcescens

“…There are still challenges, such as the influence of physicochemical factors that could optimize lead bioremoval by S. marcescens [40]. To optimize the removal, it is important to evaluate the behavior of heavy metals together with the characteristics of the adsorbent; in the literature, it has been found that the mechanism of biosorption is not yet fully understood as this process is determined by physiology, chemical and physicochemical factors, ionic strength, i.e., metal ion chemistry, pH, temperature, metal concentration, contact time, the composition of the cell wall, and physiological characteristics of the microorganism [41][42][43]. Although the removal of Pb was not considerable or close to the permitted levels (0.05 mg/L) according to Peruvian legislation, possibly due to extrinsic and intrinsic aspects of the bacterium or due to independent variables that were not taken into account, for example, the contact time, this study serves as a reference to establish differences regarding the methods of removal of Pb by the bacterium S. marcescens [44,45].…”