Biosorption of metals (Cu2+, Zn2+) and anions (F−, H2PO4−) by viable and autoclaved cells of the Gram-negative bacterium Shewanella putrefaciens

Copper and zinc adsorption from bacterial biomass - possibility of low-cost industrial wastewater treatment

The increasing interest of all stakeholders to achieve environmental protection with socioeconomic development puts pressure on industrial processes for less negative impact on the environment. The use of biomass for wastewater treatment has increased due to its low costs and technical feasibility. The present study aimed the use of biomass from a waste of known polluted area for the adsorption of Zn and Cu in a fixed-bed reactor. Samples were collected in Cubatão (Brazil) and cultivated in LB medium. Resulting cultivable bacterial communities were identified as Enterococcus faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Adsorption experiments were performed varying the metallic ion concentration and the amount of biomass. Adsorption experiments showed efficiency rates up to 90%. As the concentration of metallic ions increased, the adsorption efficiency decreased, indicating that the active sites were saturated. Activated charcoal demonstrated lower adsorption rates than biomass. Elution process showed that HNO₃ had better efficiency than HCl. Zn adsorption fitted better for Lineweaver-Burk model (Q_max= 200 mg/g of biomass), while Cu adsorption fitted better for Langmuir model (Q_max= 164 mg/g of biomass). Results here demonstrated that the adsorption of Zn and Cu simulating an industrial wastewater by the biomass from a contaminated area is technically feasible.

Bioreduction mechanisms of high-concentration hexavalent chromium using sulfur salts by photosynthetic bacteria

Eliminating "sulfur starvation" caused by competition for sulfate transporters between chromate and sulfate is crucial to enhance the content of sulfur-containing compounds and improve the tolerance and reduction capability of Cr(VI) in bacteria. In this study, the effects of sulfur salts on the Cr(VI) bioremediation and the possible mechanism were investigated in Rhodobacter sphaeroides SC01 by cell imaging, spectroscopy, and biochemical measurements. The results showed that, when the concentration of metabisulfite was 2.0 g L^-1, and the initial OD₆₀₀ was 0.33, the reduction rate of R. sphaeroides SC01 reached up to 91.3% for 500 mg L^-1 Cr(VI) exposure at 96 h. Moreover, thiosulfate and sulfite also markedly increased the concentration of reduced Cr(VI) in R. sphaeroides SC01. Furthermore, the characterization results revealed that -OH, -CONH, -COOH, -SO₃, -PO₃, and -S-S- played a major role in the adsorption of Cr, and Cr(III) reduced by bacteria was bioprecipitated in the production of Cr₂P₃S₉ and CrPS₄. In addition, R. sphaeroids SC01 combined with metabisulfite significantly increased the activity of glutathione peroxidase and the content of glutathione (GSH) and total sulfhydryl while decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and cell death induced by Cr(VI) toxic. Overall, the results of this research revealed a highly efficient and reliable strategy for Cr(VI) removal by photosynthetic bacteria combined with sulfur salts in high-concentration Cr(VI)-contaminated wastewater.

Physical characterization and kinetic studies of Zn (II) biosorption by Morganella morganii ACZ05

Through this investigation, we establish the mechanism and physical characterization of zinc (II) sequestration by Morganella morganii ACZ05 strain, which was isolated and characterized from soil polluted by effluents from electroplating industries. As far as we know, there is very little literature concerning zinc biosorption using an environmental strain of M. morganii. The SEM analysis shows the dark porous gaps in the aggregated cell-matrix of test bacterial biomass which is inferred as water channels usually seen in biofilms, as compared to metal-unexposed control. M. morganii is not known to produce biofilms unless in the rare nosocomial conditions. Here, SEM analysis shows the production of biofilms after exposure to zinc (II) at 500 ppm, which has not been previously reported. EDX analysis of bacterial biomass also specified the sorption of zinc (II) by the bacterial cells and the presence of new peaks for zinc in contrast to control. Both XRD and FTIR analysis observations strongly implicate the potential of physical adsorption as a mechanism for heavy metal resistance. Analysis of the cell surface by Atomic force microscopy and examination of the topography revealed cell aggregation occurs during biofilm production after zinc biosorption. Unlike other reports, regular models such as Langmuir isotherm and Freundlich isotherm were found insufficient to explain the physisorption of zinc (II) metal ions on complex multicomponent adsorbents such as the exopolymeric surface of the bacterial cells. However, adsorption kinetics of zinc (II) to the bacterial biomass was most effectively elucidated by a pseudo-second-order kinetic model, suggesting a certain kind of chemisorption that requires further study.

Potential application of thermophilic bacterium Aeribacillus pallidus MRP280 for lead removal from aqueous solution

Bacteria used for application of lead (Pb) removal is usually kept under suboptimal growth conditions. Certain application of Pb removal may be carried out under different condition, such as under aqueous and high temperature conditions. It is, therefore, of interest to examine the Pb removal capacity of the bacteria under adverse environmental conditions. In the present study, Aeribacillus pallidus MRP280, a lead-tolerant thermophilic bacterium was used as an absorbent for the removal of Pb from aqueous solution. The Pb removal and uptake capacity of living and non-living bacterial cells of A. pallidus MRP280 was investigated in 100 mg/L Pb solution. The optimum condition was examined based on several analytical parameters, including temperature, pH, contact time, and cell density. Biosorbent analysis and characterization was carried out using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)-Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). The results showed that the maximum Pb removal of 96.78 ± 0.19% and 88.64 ± 0.60% were obtained using living and non-living biomass, respectively at 55 °C, pH 6, OD₆₀₀0.5 for 100 min. Meanwhile, the maximum uptake capacity of 86.47 ± 1.32 mg/g and 85.31 ± 1.37 mg/g by living and non-living cells was reached at 55 °C, pH 6, OD₆₀₀0.25 for 60 min. Moreover, Pb removing activity was facilitated by the biosorption and bioaccumulation process. Overall, it is shown that A. pallidus MRP280 is effective when applied as biosorbent in removing Pb from contaminated wastewater at high temperatures.

Highly efficient and sustainable removal of Cr (VI) in aqueous solutions by photosynthetic bacteria supplemented with phosphor salts

Photosynthetic bacteria have flexible metabolisms and strong environmental adaptability, and require cheap, but plentiful, energy supplements, which all enable their use in Cr(VI)-remediation. In this study, the effects of culture conditions on the total Cr removal rate were investigated for a newly identified strain of Rhodobacter sphaeroides SC01. The subcellular distribution and Cr(VI) reduction ability of four different cellular fractions were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Experiments indicated that the optimal culture conditions for total Cr removal included a culture temperature of 35 °C, pH of 7.20, an NaCl concentration of 5 g L^-1, a light intensity of 4000 lx, and an initial cell concentration (OD₆₈₀) of 0.15. In addition, most Cr was found in the cell membrane in the form of Cr (III) after reduction, while cell membranes had the highest Cr(VI) reduction rate (99%) compared to other cellular components. In addition, the physical and chemical properties of SC01 cells were characterized by FTIR, XPS, and XRD analyses, confirming that Cr was successfully absorbed on bacterial cell surfaces. CrPO₄‧6H₂O and Cr₅(P₃O₁₀)₃ precipitates were particularly identified by XRD analysis. After screening supplementation with five phosphor salts, Cr(VI) reduction due to bioprecipitation was improved by the addition of Na₄P₂O₇ and (NaPO₃)₆ salts, with the Cr(VI)-reduction rate combined with Na₄P₂O₇ addition being 15% higher than that of the control. Thus, this study proposes a new Cr(VI)-removal strategy based on the combined use of photosynthetic bacteria and phosphor salts, which importantly increases its potential application in treating wastewater.

Metal Removal from Nickel-Containing Effluents Using Mineral-Organic Hybrid Adsorbent

Nickel is one of the most dangerous environmental pollutants and its removal from wastewater is an important task. The capacity of a mineral–organic hybrid adsorbent, consisting of Shewanella xiamenensis biofilm and zeolite (clinoptilolite of the Chola deposit), to remove metal ions from nickel-containing batch systems under different experimental conditions was tested. The obtained biosorbent was characterized using neutron activation, SEM, and FTIR techniques. It was established that maximum removal of cations, up to 100%, was achieved at pH 6.0. Several mathematical models were applied to describe the equilibrium and kinetics data. The maximum adsorption capacity of the hybrid biosorbent, calculated using the Langmuir model, varied from 3.6 to 3.9 mg/g. Negative Gibbs energy values and positive ∆H° values indicate the spontaneous and endothermic character of the biosorption process. The effects of several parameters (pH and biosorbent dosage) on Ni(II) removal from real effluent, containing nickel with a concentration of 125 mg/L, were investigated. The optimal pH for Ni(II) removal was 5.0–6.0 and an increase of sorbent dosage from 0.5 to 2.0 led to an increase in Ni(II) removal from 17% to 27%. At two times effluent dilution, maximum Ni(II) removal of 26% was attained at pH 6.0 and sorbent dosage of 1.0 g. A 12-fold effluent dilution resulted in the removal of 72% of Ni(II) at the same pH and sorbent dosage values. The obtained hybrid biosorbent can be used for Ni(II) removal from industrial effluents with low Ni(II) concentrations.

A critical review on the occurrence of resistomes in the environment and their removal from wastewater using apposite treatment technologies: Limitations, successes and future improvement

Recent reports are pointing towards the potential increasing risks of resistomes in human host. With no permissible limit in sight, resistomes are continually multiplying at an alarming rate in the ecosystem, with a disturbing level in drinking water source. The morphology and chemical constituent of resistomes afford them to resist degradation, elude membrane and counter ionic charge, thereby, rendering both conventional and advanced water and wastewater treatment inefficient. Water and wastewater matrix may govern the propagation of individual resistomes sub-type, co-selection and specific interaction towards precise condition may have enhanced the current challenge. This review covers recent reports (2011-2019) on the occurrence of ARB/ARGs and ease of spread of resistance genes in the aquatic ecosystem. The contributions of water matrix to the spread and mitigation, treatment options, via bulk removal or capture, and intracellular and extracellular DNA lysis were discussed. A complete summary of recent occurrences of ARB/ARGs, fate after disinfection and optimum conditions of individual treatment technology or in tandem, including process limitations, with a brief assessment of removal or degradation mechanism were highlighted.

A comprehensive study on the bacterial biosorption of heavy metals: materials, performances, mechanisms, and mathematical modellings

Discharges of waste containing heavy metals (HMs) have been a challenging problem for years because of their adverse effects in the environment. This article provides a comprehensive review of recent findings on bacterial biosorption and their performances for sequestration of HMs. It highlights the significance of HM removal and presents a brief overview on bacterial functionality and biosorption technology. It also discusses the achievements towards utilisation of bacterial biomass with biosorption of HMs from aqueous solutions. This article includes different types of kinetic, equilibrium, and thermodynamic models used for HM treatments using different bacterial species, as well as biosorption mechanisms along with desorption of metal ions and regeneration of bacterial biosorbents. Its fast kinetics of metal biosorption and desorption, low operational cost, and no production of toxic by-products provide attraction to many researchers. Bacteria can easily be produced using inexpensive growth media or obtained as a by-product from industries. A systematic comparison of the literature for a metal-binding capacity of bacterial biomass under different conditions is provided here. The properties of the cell wall constituents such as peptidoglycan and the role of functional groups for metal sorption are presented on the basis of their biosorption potential. Many bacterial biosorbents as reported in scientific literature have a high biosorption capacity, where some are better than commercial adsorbents. Based on the reported results, it seems that most bacteria have the potential for industrial applications for detoxification of HMs.

Accumulation of NH4 + and NO3 - inside Biofilms of Natural Microbial Consortia: Implication on Nutrients Seasonal Dynamic in Aquatic Ecosystems

Microbial biofilms are ubiquitous in aquatic ecosystems. Inside the biofilm is the nutrient-rich microenvironment promoted by the accumulation of the nutrient ions such as NH4 + and NO3 - from surrounding water. The present study investigated the characteristics of NH4 + and NO3 - accumulation into the biofilm of natural microbial consortia collected from Lake Biwa, Japan. The results showed the following: (1) the concentrations of NH4 + and NO3 - inside the biofilm were much higher than those in the surrounding water; (2) the nutrient ion concentration inside the biofilm changed in synchrony with those in the surrounding water; (3) biofilm polymers have both positively and negatively charged sites; (4) electrostatic attractive interactions between the charged sites on biofilm polymers and oppositely charged ions outside the biofilm seem to play important roles in the accumulation of nutrient ions into the biofilm from the surrounding water; (5) the bacterial community structure differs between the biofilm and surrounding water. The present study revealed that the accumulation of nutrient ions into the biofilm indicates the removal of these ions from water outside the biofilm. According to the result of this study, accumulation of ions such as NH4 + and NO3 - into the biofilm of natural microbial consortia may have implications on nutrients seasonal dynamic in aquatic ecosystems.

The role of ammonium oxidising bacteria (AOB) in ionic liquid 1-dodecylpyridinium chloride removal

Ionic liquids (IL) have emerged as the next-generation "green" solvent that can replace traditional organic solvent due to properties such as high thermal stability and no vapour pressure. However, their increased usage inevitably allows them to find their way into the environment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of autotrophic ammonia-oxidising bacteria (AOB) in the potential removal of 1-dodecylpyridinium chloride ([DPy]⁺Cl) in both short- and long-term studies. In short-term batch experiments, it was observed that a notable amount of [DPy]⁺ can be removed by the AOB culture with the removal mechanism being biodegradation and absorption, with the latter playing a greater role. It was also found that [DPy]⁺ can be released back into the liquid phase when AOB's preferred substrate, NH₃, was present. In the long-term study, [DPy]⁺Cl was successfully biodegraded and a total of nine transformation products were identified. The biodegradation pathway was also proposed. This study demonstrated that [DPy]⁺Cl can be biological transformed by enriched AOB culture and the accumulation of the by-product did not show long-term negative impact on AOB activities.

Biosorption of zinc from aqueous solution by cyanobacterium Fischerella ambigua ISC67: optimization, kinetic, isotherm and thermodynamic studies

In this present study, biosorption of Zn(II) from aqueous solution by cyanobacterium Fischerella ambigua was investigated in batch experiments. The effects of pH, bacterial dosage, initial Zn(II) concentration, contact time and temperature were studied. Removal process was influenced significantly by the variation of pH, biosorbent concentration, initial Zn(II) ion concentration, temperature and contact time. Optimum biosorption conditions were found to be initial pH of 5, bacterial dosage of 0.2 g/l and initial Zn(II) ion concentration of 175 mg/l at room temperature and contact time of 90 min. The maximum uptake capacity of F. ambigua for Zn(II) ions was found to be 98.03 mg/g at optimum conditions. The correlation coefficient for the second-order kinetic model was 0.995. The Freundlich isotherm model showed better fit to the equilibrium of the system, compared with the Langmuir model. Fourier transform infrared analysis of bacterial biomass revealed the presence of carboxyl, hydroxyl, sulfite and amino groups, which are likely responsible for the biosorption of Zn(II). The negative values of Gibbs free energy, ΔG°, confirm the spontaneous nature of the biosorption process. Finally, F. ambigua adsorption capacity was compared with other biosorbents. Results showed that F. ambigua was an efficient biosorbent in the removal of Zn(II) ions from an aqueous solution.

Potentiality of Neopestalotiopsis clavispora ASU1 in biosorption of cadmium and zinc

In this study, a fungal isolate was isolated from avocado fruit collected from a market in Makkah city, Saudi Arabia, and identified as Neopestalotiopsis clavispora ASU1. The biomass of Neopestalotiopsis clavispora ASU1 was used as a natural bio-sorbent for removal of Cd(II) and Zn(II) from aqueous solutions. Characterization of fungal biomass was performed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray Diffractometer, and BET surface area. Different factors on Cd(II) and Zn(II) biosorption were studied to evaluate the maximum conditions for metals biosorption. The (q_max) for Cd(II) and Zn (II) by N. clavispora ASU1 calculated from the Langmuir adsorption isotherm was 185.3 ± 0.25 and 153.8 ± 0.21 mg/g, respectively. Based on r², the equilibrium biosorption isotherms fitted well with Langmuir model than Freundlich isotherm. The adsorption kinetics was studied, and the biosorption followed to the pseudo-second-order model. Thus, the current study indicated that the biomass of N. clavispora ASU1 is an effective adsorbent for the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions.

Surface properties of Enterococcus faecalis cells isolated from chicken hearts determine their low ability to form biofilms

Enterococcus faecalis is one of the most significant bacterial pathogens associated with the first-week mortality of chickens. Here, the surface properties of bacterial cells and the selected virulence factors of E. faecalis strains isolated from the hearts of clinically healthy broiler chickens were studied. Investigations were carried out on live and autoclaved cells. E. faecalis (ATCC 29212) was used as a reference strain. The bacterial cells revealed different haemolytic activities. Their surface free energy was dominated by the hydrophobic component. The cell walls of the bird isolates showed slightly weaker acidic characteristics than those of E. faecalis (ATCC 29212). Moreover, the bacterial cells from the chicken hearts showed higher electrophoretic mobility and surface electrical charge than the reference strain, and consequently demonstrated a low ability to form biofilms.

Bio-prospectus of cadmium bioadsorption by lactic acid bacteria to mitigate health and environmental impacts

Foodstuffs and water are the key sources of cadmium biomagnifiaction. The available strategies to mitigate this problem are unproductive and expensive for practical large-scale use. Biological decontamination of metals through environmental microbes has been known since long time, whereas lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have not been extensively studied for this purpose. The LAB are known for maintaining homeostasis and suppression of pathogens in humans and animals. They also play a vital role in bioremediation of certain heavy metals. Recently in-vivo research findings strongly complement the in-vitro results in relation to decreased total body cadmium burden in animal model. This review summarizes the currently available information on impact of toxic metal (Cd) on human and animal health as well as cadmium sequestration through microbes placed broadly, whereas preeminent attention grabbed on LAB-cadmium interaction to explore their possible role in bioremediation of cadmium from foods and environment to safeguard human as well as environment health.

Adsorption of cadmium by live and dead biomass of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have been extensively investigated in combination remediation with plants in heavy metal contaminated soil. However, being biosorbent, few studies of live and dead cells of PGPR have been undertaken. Meanwhile, the application of live or dead biomass for the removal of heavy metals continues to be debated. Therefore, this study uses living and non-living biosorbents of Cupriavidus necator GX_5, Sphingomonas sp. GX_15, and Curtobacterium sp. GX_31 to compare their Cd(ii) adsorption capacities by SEM-EDX, FTIR, and adsorption experiments. In the present study, whether the cells were living or dead and whatever the initial Cd(ii) concentration was, removal efficiency and adsorption capacity can be arranged as GX_31 > GX_15 > GX_5 (p < 0.05). However, removal efficiency in live and dead biosorbents was quite different and it greatly affected by the initial Cd(ii) concentrations. The dead cells exhibited a higher adsorption capacity than the live cells of GX_31. Nevertheless, for GX_5 and GX_15, the loading capacity of the non-living biomass was stronger than that of the living biomass at 20 mg L⁻¹ of Cd(ii), but the capacity was similar at 100 mg L⁻¹ of Cd(ii). Minor changes of spectra were found after autoclaving and it seemed that more functional groups of the dead biosorbent were involved in Cd(ii) binding by FTIR analysis, which also illustrated that the hydroxyl, amino, amide, and carboxyl groups played an important role in complexation with Cd(ii). Based on these findings, we concluded that the dead cells were more potent for Cd(ii) remediation, especially for GX_31.

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have been extensively investigated in combination remediation with plants in heavy metal contaminated soil.

Fate of antibiotic resistance genes in mesophilic and thermophilic anaerobic digestion of chemically enhanced primary treatment (CEPT) sludge

Anaerobic digestion (AD) of chemically enhanced primary treatment (CEPT) sludge and non-CEPT (conventional sedimentation) sludge were comparatively operated under mesophilic and thermophilic conditions. The highest methane yield (692.46±0.46mL CH₄/g VS_removed in CEPT sludge) was observed in mesophilic AD of CEPT sludge. Meanwhile, thermophilic conditions were more favorable for the removal of total antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). In this study, no measurable difference in the fates and removal of ARGs and class 1 integrin-integrase gene (intI1) was observed between treated non-CEPT and CEPT sludge. However, redundancy analysis indicated that shifts in bacterial community were primarily accountable for the variations in ARGs and intI1. Network analysis further revealed potential host bacteria for ARGs and intI1.

Removal of antibiotic resistance genes from wastewater treatment plant effluent by coagulation

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), as emerging environmental contaminants, have become a threat to human health. Recent studies have demonstrated that the effluent from wastewater treatment plants is a significant point source of ARGs released into the environment. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of coagulation technology in the removal of ARGs from treated wastewater. Specifically, we measured the removal of five ARGs (two sulfonamide resistance genes, sulI and sulII, and three tetracycline resistance genes, tetO, tetW and tetQ) and the class 1 integron intI1 gene via the application of two coagulants: FeCl₃ and polyferric chloride (PFC). Moreover, the removal of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), NH₃N and total phosphorus (TP) in the coagulation process was investigated. The coagulation process effectively removed ARGs from the effluent with 0.5-log to 3.1-log reductions. Significant removal correlations were observed between dissolved NH₃N and DOC, intI1 and sulI, sulII and tetO, sulII and tetW, and tetO and tetW, implying that the co-removal of DOC, dissolved NH₃N, the intI1 gene and different ARGs played an important role in ARG loss during coagulation with Fe-based coagulants. These results indicate that coagulation may play a promising role in ARG reduction in wastewater treatment plants.

Uptake of radioiodide by Paenibacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Burkholderia sp. and Rhodococcus sp. isolated from a boreal nutrient-poor bog

Radionuclides, like radioiodine ((129)I), may escape deep geological nuclear waste repositories and migrate to the surface ecosystems. In surface ecosystems, microorganisms can affect their movement. Iodide uptake of six bacterial strains belonging to the genera Paenibacillus, Pseudomonas, Burkholderia and Rhodococcus isolated from an acidic boreal nutrient-poor bog was tested. The tests were run in four different growth media at three temperatures. All bacterial strains removed iodide from the solution with the highest efficiency shown by one of the Paenibacillus strains with >99% of iodide removed from the solution in one of the used growth media. Pseudomonas, Rhodococcus and one of the two Paenibacillus strains showed highest iodide uptake in 1% yeast extract with maximum values for the distribution coefficient (Kd) ranging from 90 to 270L/kg DW. The Burkholderia strain showed highest uptake in 1% Tryptone (maximum Kd 170L/kg DW). The Paenibacillus strain V0-1-LW showed exceptionally high uptake in 0.5% peptone +0.25% yeast extract broth (maximum Kd>1,000,000L/kg DW). Addition of 0.1% glucose to the 0.5% peptone +0.25% yeast extract broth reduced iodide uptake at 4°C and 20°C and enhanced iodide uptake at 37°C compared to the uptake without glucose. This indicates that the uptake of glucose and iodide may be competing processes in these bacteria. We estimated that in in situ conditions of the bog, the bacterial uptake of iodide accounts for approximately 0.1%-0.3% of the total sorption of iodide in the surface, subsurface peat, gyttja and clay layers.

Immobilization of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 in diffusive gradients in thin films for determining metal bioavailability

Assessing metal bioavailability in soil is important in modeling the effects of metal toxicity on the surrounding ecosystem. Current methods based on diffusive gradient thin films (DGTs) and Gel-Integrated Microelectrode are limited in their availability and sensitivity. To address this, Shewanella oneidensis, an anaerobic iron reducing bacterium, was incorporated into a thin layer of agarose to replace the polyacrylamide gel that is normally present in DGT to form biologically mobilizing DGT (BMDGT). Viability analysis revealed that 16-35% of the cells remained viable within the BMDGTs depending on the culturing conditions over a 20 h period with/without metals. Deployment of BMDGTs in standardized metal solutions showed significant differences to cell-free BMDGTs when cells grown in Luria Broth (LB) were incorporated into BMDGTs and deployed under anaerobic conditions. Deployment of these BMDGTs in hematite revealed no significant differences between BMDGTs and BMDGTs containing heat killed cells. Whether heat killed cells retain the ability to affect bioavailability is uncertain. This is the first study to investigate how a microorganism that was incorporated into a DGT device such as the metal reducing bacteria, S. oneidensis, may affect the mobility of metals.

Bioremoval of heavy metals by bacterial biomass

Heavy metals are among the most common pollutants found in the environment. Health problems due to the heavy metal pollution become a major concern throughout the world, and therefore, various treatment technologies such as reverse osmosis, ion exchange, solvent extraction, chemical precipitation, and adsorption are adopted to reduce or eliminate their concentration in the environment. Biosorption is a cost-effective and environmental friendly technique, and it can be used for detoxification of heavy metals in industrial effluents as an alternative treatment technology. Biosorption characteristics of various bacterial species are reviewed here with respect to the results reported so far. The role of physical, chemical, and biological modification of bacterial cells for heavy metal removal is presented. The paper evaluates the different kinetic, equilibrium, and thermodynamic models used in bacterial sorption of heavy metals. Biomass characterization and sorption mechanisms as well as elution of metal ions and regeneration of biomass are also discussed.

Biosorption of arsenite (As(+3)) and arsenate (As(+5)) from aqueous solution by Arthrobacter sp. biomass

In this study we investigated the role of arsenic-resistant bacteria Arthrobacter sp. biomass for removal of arsenite as well as arsenate from aqueous solution. The biomass sorption characteristics were studied as a function of biomass dose, contact time and pH. Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) models were applied to describe the biosorption isotherm. The Langmuir model fitted the equilibrium data better than the Freundlich isotherm. The biosorption capacity of the biomass for As(+3) and As(+5) was found to be 74.91 mg/g (pH 7.0) and 81.63 mg/g (pH 3.0), respectively using 1 g/L biomass with a contact time of 30 min at 28 degrees C. The mean sorption energy values calculated from the D-R model indicated that the biosorption of As(+3) and As(+5) onto Arthrobacter sp. biomass took place by chemical ion-exchange. The thermodynamic parameters showed that the biosorption of As(+3) and As(+5) ions onto Arthrobacter sp. biomass was feasible, spontaneous and exothermic in nature. Kinetic evaluation of experimental data showed that biosorption of As(+3) and As(+5) followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis indicated the involvement of possible functional groups (-OH, -C=O and -NH) in the As(+3) and As(+5) biosorption process. Bacterial cell biomass can be used as a biosorbent for removal of arsenic from arsenic-contaminated water.

Biosorption of Cd(II) by live and dead cells of Bacillus cereus RC-1 isolated from cadmium-contaminated soil

The present study investigated the biosorption capacity of live and dead cells of Bacillus cereus RC-1 for Cd(II). The biosorption characteristics were investigated as a function of initial pH, contact time, and initial cadmium concentration. Equilibrium biosorption was modeled using Langmuir, Freundlich and Redlich-Peterson isotherm equations. It was found that the maximum biosorption capacities calculated from Langmuir isotherm were 31.95 mg/g and 24.01 mg/g for dead cells and live cells, respectively. The kinetics of the biosorption was better described by pseudo-second order kinetic model. Desorption efficiency of biosorbents was investigated at various pH values. These results indicated that dead cells have higher Cd(II) biosorption capacity than live cells. Furthermore, zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies were carried out to understand the differences in the Cd(II) biosorption behavior for the both biosorbents. The bioaccumulation of Cd(II) by B. cereus RC-1 was found to depend largely on extracellular biosorption rather than intracellular accumulation. Based on the above studies, dead biomass appears to be a more efficient biosorbent for the removal of Cd(II) from aqueous solution.

Reductive dissolution of Tl(I)-jarosite by Shewanella putrefaciens: providing new insights into Tl biogeochemistry

Thallium (Tl) is emerging as a metal of concern in countries such as China due to its release during the natural weathering of Tl-bearing ore deposits and mining activities. Despite the high toxicity of Tl, few studies have examined the reductive dissolution of Tl mineral phases by microbial populations. In this study we examined the dissolution of synthetic Tl(I)-jarosite, (H(3)O)(0.29)Tl(0.71)Fe(2.74)(SO(4))(2)(OH)(5.22)(H(2)O)(0.78), by Shewanella putrefaciens CN32 using batch experiments under anaerobic circumneutral conditions. Fe(II) concentrations were measured over time and showed Fe(II) production (4.6 mM) in inoculated samples by 893 h not seen in mineral and dead cell controls. Release of aqueous Tl was enhanced in inoculated samples whereby maximum concentrations in inoculated and cell-free samples reached 3.2 and 2.1 mM, respectively, by termination of the experiment. Complementary batch Tl/S. putrefaciens sorption experiments were conducted under experimentally relevant pH (5 and 6.3) at a Tl concentration of 35 μM and did not show significant Tl accumulation by either live or dead cells. Therefore, in contrast to many metals such as Pb and Cd, S. putrefaciens does not represent a sink for Tl in the environment and Tl is readily released from Tl-jarosite during both abiotic and biotic dissolution.

Analysis of the ion adsorption-desorption characteristics of biofilm matrices

The characteristics of biofilm polymers formed on stone surfaces in Lake Biwa and ion adsorption and desorption to and from these biofilms were investigated. The results indicated that both positively and negatively charged sites exist in the biofilm polymer. A physicochemical interaction between these sites and ions in the surrounding water seems to promote the adsorption of ions to the biofilm through an attractive electrostatic interaction and an ion-exchange mechanism. The results also indicated that, in comparison with ion-exchange resins, ions were more loosely bound to and desorbed more easily from the biofilm polymer. This suggests that microbes in the biofilm can readily use these ions as nutrient ions. Our present findings indicate that the biofilm may play an important role in supplying nutrient ions to microbes in the biofilm and in the development of a nutrient-rich environment within the biofilm through both ion adsorption and desorption. This study shows for the first time that the inside of a biofilm can be a sustainable environment for microbes.

Isotherm kinetics of Cr(III) removal by non-viable cells of Acinetobacter haemolyticus

The potential use of non-viable biomass of a Gram negative bacterium i.e. Acinetobacter haemolyticus to remove Cr(III) species from aqueous environment was investigated. Highest Cr(III) removal of 198.80 mg g(-1) was obtained at pH 5, biomass dosage of 15 mg cell dry weight, initial Cr(III) of 100 mg L(-1) and 30 min of contact time. The Langmuir and Freundlich models fit the experimental data (R(2)>0.95) while the kinetic data was best described using the pseudo second-order kinetic model (R(2)>0.99). Cr(III) was successfully recovered from the bacterial biomass using either 1M of CH(3)COOH, HNO(3) or H(2)SO(4) with 90% recovery. TEM and FTIR suggested the involvement of amine, carboxyl, hydroxyl and phosphate groups during the biosorption of Cr(III) onto the cell surface of A. haemolyticus. A. haemolyticus was also capable to remove 79.87 mg g(-1) Cr(III) (around 22.75%) from raw leather tanning wastewater. This study demonstrates the potential of using A. haemolyticus as biosorbent to remove Cr(III) from both synthetic and industrial wastewater.

Study of thermodynamics and dynamics of removing Cu(II) by biosorption membrane of Penicillium biomass

Based on the integration of biosorption and membrane-separation, a novel biosorption membrane with good mechanical property was prepared by immobilizing Penicillium biomass with cross-linked chitosan on fabric. The ability of the low cost biosorption membrane to remove Cu(II) ions from a solution was studied through batch and continuous experiments. Langmuir adsorption isotherm models were found to accurately fit the batch experimental data (R(2) > 0.99) indicating that sorption was of monolayer-mode. The uptake of Cu(II) could reach 38 mg/g at its initial concentration of 200 mg/L in the solution. Continuous biosorption was investigated in a column and the effects of the height, flow rate and initial concentration of Cu(II) were studied. The Bed Depth Service Time model (BDST) was applied to simulate column adsorption data. The breakthrough time at different flow rates and initial concentrations was accurately predicted by the model (error < 8%). The uptake of Cu(II) could reach 38.3 mg/g at height 30 cm, flow rate 5 mL/min, initial concentration of Cu(II) 200 mg/L. The biosorption membrane was regenerated by washing with 0.05 mol/L solution of HCl, and breakthrough curves remained fairly unchanged after 10 cycles of adsorption-desorption.

Impacts of Shewanella putrefaciens strain CN-32 cells and extracellular polymeric substances on the sorption of As(V) and As(III) on Fe(III)-(hydr)oxides

We investigated the effects of Shewanella putrefaciens cells and extracellular polymeric substances on the sorption of As(III) and As(V) to goethite, ferrihydrite, and hematite at pH 7.0. Adsorption of As(III) and As(V) at solution concentrations between 0.001 and 20 μM decreased by 10 to 45% in the presence of 0.3 g L(-1) EPS, with As(III) being affected more strongly than As(V). Also, inactivated Shewanella cells induced desorption of As(V) from the Fe(III)-(hydr)oxide mineral surfaces. ATR-FTIR studies of ternary As(V)-Shewanella-hematite systems indicated As(V) desorption concurrent with attachment of bacterial cells at the hematite surface, and showed evidence of inner-sphere coordination of bacterial phosphate and carboxylate groups at hematite surface sites. Competition between As(V) and bacterial phosphate and carboxylate groups for Fe(III)-(oxyhydr)oxide surface sites is proposed as an important factor leading to increased solubility of As(V). The results from this study have implications for the solubility of As(V) in the soil rhizosphere and in geochemical systems undergoing microbially mediated reduction and indicate that the presence of sorbed oxyanions may affect Fe-reduction and biofilm development at mineral surfaces.

Effects of cell condition, pH, and temperature on lead, zinc, and copper sorption to Acidithiobacillus caldus strain BC13

This study describes the effects of cell condition, pH, and temperature on lead, zinc, and copper sorption to Acidithiobacillus caldus strain BC13 with a Langmuir model. Copper exhibited the highest loading capacity, 4.76 ± 0.28 mmol g(-1), to viable cells at pH 5.5. The highest k(L) (binding-site affinity) observed was 61.2 ± 3.0 L mmol(-1) to dehydrated cells at pH 4.0. The pHs that maximized loading capacities and binding-site affinities were generally between 4.0 and 5.5, where the sum of free-proton and complexed-metal concentrations was near a minimum. Of additional importance, lead, zinc, and copper sorbed to viable cells at pH values as low as 1.5. Previous studies with other acidithiobacilli did not measure viable-cell sorption below pH 4.0. In separate experiments, desorption studies showed that far less copper was recovered from viable cells than any other metal or cell condition, suggesting that uptake may play an important role in copper sorption by At. caldus strain BC13. To reflect an applied system, the sorption of metal mixtures was also studied. In these experiments, lead, zinc, and copper sorption from a tertiary mixture were 40.2 ± 4.3%, 28.7 ± 3.8%, and 91.3 ± 3.0%, respectively, of that sorbed in single-metal systems.

Biosorption of inorganic and organic arsenic from aqueous solution by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans BY-3

The traditional techniques for removing low concentration arsenic are unsuitable. The biosorption characteristics of arsenite (iAs(III)) and monomethyl arsonate (MMA(V)) from aqueous solution by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans BY-3 (At. f BY-3) were investigated as a function of pH, contact time, initial arsenic concentration, biomass dosage and temperature in this study. Results indicated that Langmuir isotherm model fitted better than Freundlich model to the equilibrium data. Analysis of kinetic data showed that the biosorption processes of both iAs(III) and MMA(V) involved pseudo-second-order kinetics. The thermodynamic parameters such as DeltaG(o), DeltaH(o) and DeltaS(o) of the biosorption process showed that the adsorption of iAs(III) and MMA(V) onto At. f BY-3 was feasible, spontaneous and endothermic under the examined conditions. The competitive biosorption of iAs(III) and MMA(V) in binary mixture system was evaluated, and the results indicated that At. f BY-3 favored MMA(V) biosorption. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) showed -OH and -NH groups were involved in the biosorption process.