Studies on chromium(VI) adsorption-desorption using immobilized fungal biomass

Evaluation of multi-heavy metal tolerance traits of soil-borne fungi for simultaneous removal of hazardous metals

The demand for environment-friendly cleanup techniques has arisen due to an increase in environmental pollutants. Fungi is the most prevalent and effective class of heavy metal-resistant microorganisms with the ability to leach metals. The objective of the present study was to isolate the fungi from the agricultural soil of Kashmir valley, investigate their multi-metal tolerance to heavy metals and evaluate the metal uptake capacities of the resistant fungi. The fungi were isolated and identified on the basis of morphological and molecular approach (ITS1 and ITS4). The tolerance limits of the isolated fungal strains to various doses of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and cobalt (Co) was evaluated. Five fungal strains, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium verticillioides, Aspergillus fischeri, Epicoccum mackenziei were isolated from the soil samples. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the study of metal resistance of Aspergillus fischeri and Epicoccum mackenziei. Among the identified fungal species, Aspergillus niger and Fusarium oxysporum were found to be most tolerant with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 600 ppm against Cu and Cr respectively. Results indicated removal of considerable amount of heavy metals by some of the fungi. The highest metal uptake of 8.31 mg/g was found in Fusarium verticillioides for Zn. Surprisingly, these fungal strains demonstrated resistance to metal concentrations above the levels that are universally acceptable for polluted soils, and hence prove to be appealing contenders for use as bioremediation agents for cleaning up heavy metal-polluted environments.

Alpha-glucan: a novel bacterial polysaccharide and its application as a biosorbent for heavy metals

This study identified an extracellular bacterial polysaccharide produced by Bacillus velezensis strain 40B that contains more than 90% of the monosaccharide glucose as alpha-glucan. A prominent peak at 1074 cm-1, a characteristic of glycoside couplings, was visible in the FTIR spectrum. There were traces of xylose, sucrose, and lactose, according to the HPLC study. The ability of this bacterial glucan to operate as a biosorbent of the heavy metals cobalt, chromium, copper, and lead from aqueous solutions was investigated in conjunction with Ca-alginate beads. It proved that glucan 40B has a low affinity for chromium ions and is selective for lead. Initial concentration measurements showed an inverse relationship between concentration and the amount of metal ions eliminated. Lead and chromium removal increased as the glucan dose was increased. It was shown that as the pH of the starting solution is elevated, there is an increase in the sorption of metal ions onto the glucan. It was clear that when the temperature increased, the fraction of metal ion sorption slightly increased. Glucan has a wide range of industrial applications, from food and medicine to health and nutrition. As a result, the investigation's scope was expanded to include heavy metal removal.

Evaluation of copper-tolerant fungi isolated from Sarcheshmeh copper mine of Iran

Mycoremediation, a subset of bioremediation, is considered an advanced method to eliminate environmental contaminations. To identify tolerant fungi to copper contamination and study the related gene expression, sampling was carried out from the soil of "Sarcheshmeh Copper Mine," which is one of the biggest open-cast copper mines in the world. A total of 71 fungal isolates were obtained and purified. Afterward, the inhibitory effect of different concentrations (1000, 1500, 3500, 4000, and 5500 ppm) of copper sulfate on mycelial growth was evaluated. Results indicated that only 5500 ppm of copper sulfate inhibited fungal growth compared to the control. Based on the bioassay experiments, three isolates including S3-1, S3-21, and S1-7, which were able to grow on solid and broth medium containing 5500 ppm of copper sulfate at different pH conditions, were selected and identified using molecular approaches. Also, laccase and metallothionein gene expression has been assessed in these isolates. According to the molecular identification using ITS1-5.8S- ITS2 region, isolates S3-1 and S1-7 were identified as Pleurotus eryngii, and isolate S3-21 belonged to the genus Sarocladium. In addition, P. eryngii showed laccase gene expression reduction after 8 days of exposure to copper sulfate. While in the genus Sarocladium, it increased (almost 2 times) from 6 to 8 days. Besides, metallothionein gene expression has increased from 6 to 8 days of copper sulfate treatment compared to the control which reveals its role in copper tolerance of all studied isolates. In this study, Pleurotus eryngii and Sarocladium sp. are introduced as heavy metal tolerant fungi and the related gene expression to copper tolerance was studied for the first time in Iran.

A bibliography study of Shewanella oneidensis biofilm

This study employs a bibliography study method to evaluate 472 papers focused on Shewanella oneidensis biofilms. Biofilms, which are formed when microorganisms adhere to surfaces or interfaces, play a crucial role in various natural, engineered, and medical settings. Within biofilms, microorganisms are enclosed in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), creating a stable working environment. This characteristic enhances the practicality of biofilm-based systems in natural bioreactors, as they are less susceptible to temperature and pH fluctuations compared to enzyme-based bioprocesses. Shewanella oneidensis, a nonpathogenic bacterium with the ability to transfer electrons, serves as an example of a species isolated from its environment that exhibits extensive biofilm applications. These applications, such as heavy metal removal, offer potential benefits for environmental engineering and human health. This paper presents a comprehensive examination and review of the biology and engineering aspects of Shewanella biofilms, providing valuable insights into their functionality.

Chromium Recovery from Chromium-Loaded Cupressus lusitanica Bark in Two-Stage Desorption Processes

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) contamination poses serious health and environmental risks. Chromium biosorption has been employed as an effective means of eradicating Cr(VI) contamination. However, research on chromium desorption from chromium-loaded biosorbents is scarce despite its importance in facilitating industrial-scale chromium biosorption. In this study, single- and two-stage chromium desorption from chromium-loaded Cupressus lusitanica bark (CLB) was conducted. Thirty eluent solutions were evaluated first; the highest single-stage chromium desorption efficiencies were achieved when eluent solutions of 0.5 M NaOH, 0.5 M H2SO4, and 0.5 M H2C2O4 were used. Subsequently, two-stage kinetic studies of chromium desorption were performed. The results revealed that using 0.5 M NaOH solution in the first stage and 0.5 M H2C2O4 in the second stage enabled the recovery of almost all the chromium initially bound to CLB (desorption efficiency = 95.9-96.1%) within long (168 h) and short (3 h) desorption periods at each stage. This study clearly demonstrated that the oxidation state of the recovered chromium depends on the chemical nature and concentration of the eluent solution. The results suggest the possible regeneration of chromium-loaded CLB for its subsequent use in other biosorption/desorption cycles.

Biosorption performance of the multi-metal tolerant fungus Aspergillus sp. for removal of some metallic nanoparticles from aqueous solutions

The wide spread of nanotechnology applications currently carries with it the possibility of polluting the environment with the residues of these nanomaterials, especially those in the metallic form. Therefore, it is necessary to study the possibility of treating and removing various nanoscale metal pollutants in environmentally friendly ways. The present study focused on the isolation of multi-metal tolerant fungi to be applied in the bioremoval of Zn, Fe, Se, and Ag nanoparticles as potential nanoscale metal pollutants. Aspergillus sp. has been isolated as multi-metal tolerant fingus and investigated in the bioremoval of targeted nanometals from their aquoues solutions. The effect of biomass age, pH, and contact time was studied to determine the optimal biosorption conditions for fungal pellets towards metal NPs. The results showed a high percentage of fungal biosorption on the of two-day-old cells, which amounted to 39.3, 52.2, 91.7, and 76.8% of zinc, iron, selenium, and silver, respectively. The pH 7 was recorded the highest percentage of NPs removal for the four studied metals i.e. 38.8, 68.1, 80.4, and 82.0% of Zn-, Fe-, Se- and Ag-NPs, respectively. The contact time required between Aspergillus sp. and the metal nanoparticles to obtain the best adsorption was only 10 min in the case of Zn and Ag, but it was 40 min for both Fe and Se NPs. The efficiency of living fungal pellets in removing the four metallic NPs exceeded that of dead biomass by 1.8, 5.7, 2.5, and 2.5 folds for Zn, Fe, Se and Ag, respectively. However, utilization of dead fungal biomass for metallic NPs removal could be considered more applicable to the actual environmental applications.

Biochar-compost as a new option for soil improvement: Application in various problem soils

Due to the synergistic effects of biochar and compost/composting, the combined application of biochar and compost (biochar-compost) has been recognized as a highly promising and efficient method of soil improvement. However, the willingness to apply biochar-compost for soil improvement is still low compared to the use of biochar or compost alone. This paper collects data on the application of biochar-compost in several problem soils that are well-known and extensively investigated by agronomists and scientists, and summarizes the effects of biochar-compost application in common problem soils. These typical problem soils are classified based on three different characteristics: climatic zones, abiotic stresses, and contaminants. The improvement effect of biochar-compost in different soils is assessed and directions for further research and suggestions for application are made. Generally, biochar-compost mitigates the high mineralization rate of soil organic matter, phosphorus deficiency and aluminum toxicity, and significantly improves crop yields in most tropical soils. Biochar-compost can help to achieve long-term sustainable management of temperate agricultural soils by sequestering carbon and improving soil physicochemical properties. Biochar-compost has shown positive performance in the remediation of both dry and saline soils by reducing the threat of soil water scarcity or high salinity and improving the consequent deterioration of soil conditions. By combining different mechanisms of biochar and compost to immobilize or remove contaminants, biochar-compost tends to perform better than biochar or compost alone in soils contaminated with heavy metals (HMs) or organic pollutants (OPs). This review aims to improve the practicality and acceptability of biochar-compost and to promote its application in soil. Additionally, the prospects, challenges and future directions for the application of biochar-compost in problem soil improvement were foreseen.

A Comprehensive Review of the Current Progress of Chromium Removal Methods from Aqueous Solution

Chromium (Cr) exists in aqueous solution as trivalent (Cr³⁺) and hexavalent (Cr⁶⁺) forms. Cr³⁺ is an essential trace element while Cr⁶⁺ is a dangerous and carcinogenic element, which is of great concern globally due to its extensive applications in various industrial processes such as textiles, manufacturing of inks, dyes, paints, and pigments, electroplating, stainless steel, leather, tanning, and wood preservation, among others. Cr³⁺ in wastewater can be transformed into Cr⁶⁺ when it enters the environment. Therefore, research on Cr remediation from water has attracted much attention recently. A number of methods such as adsorption, electrochemical treatment, physico-chemical methods, biological removal, and membrane filtration have been devised for efficient Cr removal from water. This review comprehensively demonstrated the Cr removal technologies in the literature to date. The advantages and disadvantages of Cr removal methods were also described. Future research directions are suggested and provide the application of adsorbents for Cr removal from waters.

Enhanced Cr (VI) reduction and removal by Fe/Mn oxide biochar composites under acidic simulated wastewater

Chromium (Cr (VI)) can cause severe damage to the ecosystem and humans because of its toxicity. In this paper, the adsorbed Fe/Mn ions Bacillus cereus ZNT-03, lotus seeds, and graphene oxide were co-cultured as the raw materials. Fe/Mn oxide biochar composite (FMBC) was prepared to treat Cr (VI) by one-step pyrolysis. FMBC has high-density micropores, and the average pore size is about 0.82 nm. Fe (II), Mn (II), and N-containing functional groups could serve as electron donors for Cr (VI) reduction. The removal of Cr (VI) is monolayer chemisorption and pH-dependent. The maximum adsorption capacity of FMBC is 21.25 mg g^-1. Cr (VI) is reduced and adsorbed on FMBC by physical adsorption, reduction, complexation, electrostatic attraction, and coprecipitation. The contribution ratio of the reduction mechanism to Cr (VI) is 72.25%. The packed column and regeneration experiments indicated that FMBC had excellent adsorption stability even after soaking in acidic simulated wastewater after 180 days (pH 1.5). These results indicate that FMBC can provide rapid reduction and efficient adsorption for Cr (VI), making it possible to apply in water treatment.

Adsorption of vanadium (V) ions from the aqueous solutions on different biomass-derived biochars

The paper presents the results of the studies on the vanadium (V) ions removal from the aqueous solutions in the adsorption process on biochars from different biomass types (cow manure BC1, wet distiller grains BC2, spent mushroom substrates BC3). The adsorbents were characterized by means of the SEM-EDS, FTIR, XRD and XPS techniques. The influence of adsorbent type and basic process parameters, such as pH and metal ion concentration in aqueous phase, adsorbent dose and time of contact of phases on the efficiency of V(V) was determined. Based on the obtained results, the mechanism and kinetics of the adsorption processes occurring on the biochar originating from the wet distiller grains as adsorbents with the greatest affinity for the V(V) ions were characterized, using isotherm models of Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Dubinin-Radushkevich and pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order as well as intraparticle diffusion kinetic models. Under the constant process conditions (pH = 3.0; m = 0.5 g; c₀ = 50 mg/L) the order of V(V) ions removal from aqueous solutions was as follows: BC2 > BC1 = BC3. The biochar BC2 exhibited the maximum sorption capacity of 1.61 mg V(V)/g. The experimental kinetic data show the adsorption course according to the pseudo-second order model.

Desorption of Coffee Pulp Used as an Adsorbent Material for Cr(III and VI) Ions in Synthetic Wastewater: A Preliminary Study

Some of the diverse agro-industrial waste generated in primary or secondary stages have proved to be promising biomaterials for treating aqueous effluents contaminated, in this case, with heavy metals. Therefore, it is necessary to know their optimal operating conditions and the regeneration or reusability of the solid by-product, an aspect related to desorption. Considering the above, this article presents the findings of a preliminary study related to the desorption process of coffee pulp without physicochemical modification (Castilla variety), an agricultural waste used as a sorbent of Cr(III and VI) ions in synthetic wastewater. The desorption efficiency of four eluting agents at defined concentrations (0.10M)-HC1, HNO₃, H₂SO₄, and EDTA-was evaluated in a time interval of 1 to 9 days. Likewise, the proposals for the sorption and/or desorption mechanisms proposed and reported in the literature with respect to the use of biosorbents derived from the coffee crop are presented. With respect to the results, the coffee pulp used in previous studies of the adsorption of chromium species mentioned (optimal conditions in synthetic water of particle size 180 μm, dose 20 g·L^-1, agitation 100 RPM, room temperature, time of 90 to 105 min) showed efficiencies in the removal of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) of 93.26% and 74.80%, respectively. Regarding the extracting substances used, H₂SO₄ 0.10 M was the one that presented the highest desorption percentage in both chromic species, with a desorption of 45.75% Cr(VI) and 66.84% Cr(III) in periods of 5 and 9 days, respectively, with agitation of 100 RPM and room temperature. Finally, the dissemination of preliminary results on the desorption of coffee pulp contaminated with chromic species without physicochemical modification is novel in this study, as similar work with this specific material has not yet been reported in the literature. On the other hand, the limitations of the study and future research are related to the evaluation at different concentrations and of other extractor solutions that allow improving the efficiency of desorption of these chemical species in a shorter time from the coffee pulp (with and without modification) as well as the reuse cycles. As a result, the desorption of coffee pulp used as an adsorbent material in real water could help researchers identify the possible interfering factors that affect the process (foreign anions and cations, organic matter, environmental conditions, among others).

Application of microbial immobilization technology for remediation of Cr(VI) contamination: A review

The discharge of chromium (Cr) contaminated wastewater is creating a serious threat to aquatic environment due to the rapid pace in agricultural and industrial activities. Particularly, the long-term exposure of Cr(VI) polluted wastewater to the environment is causing serious harm to human health. Therefore, the treatment of Cr(VI) contaminated wastewater is demanding widespread attention. Regarding this, the bioremediation is being considered as a reliable and feasible option to handle Cr(VI) contaminated wastewater because of having low technical investment and operating costs. However, certain factors such as loss of microorganisms, toxicity to microorganisms and uneven microbial growth cycle in the presence of high concentrations of Cr(VI) are hindering its commercial applications. Regarding this, microbial immobilization technology (MIT) is getting great research interest because it could overcome the shortcomings of bioremediation technology's poor tolerance against Cr. Therefore, this review is the first attempt to emphases recent research developments in the remediation of Cr(VI) contamination via MIT. Starting from the selection of immobilized carrier, the present review is designed to critically discuss the various microbial immobilizing methods i.e., adsorption, embedding, covalent binding and medium interception. Further, the mechanism of Cr(VI) removal by immobilized microorganism has also been explored, precisely. In addition, three kinds of microorganism immobilization devices have been critically examined. Finally, knowledge gaps/key challenges and future perspectives are also discussed that would be helpful for the experts in improving MIT for the remediation of Cr(VI) contamination.

Continuous Fixed-Bed Column Studies on Congo Red Dye Adsorption-Desorption Using Free and Immobilized Nelumbo nucifera Leaf Adsorbent

The adsorption of Congo red (CR), an azo dye, from aqueous solution using free and immobilized agricultural waste biomass of Nelumbo nucifera (lotus) has been studied separately in a continuous fixed-bed column operation. The N. nucifera leaf powder adsorbent was immobilized in various polymeric matrices and the maximum decolorization efficiency (83.64%) of CR occurred using the polymeric matrix sodium silicate. The maximum efficacy (72.87%) of CR dye desorption was obtained using the solvent methanol. Reusability studies of free and immobilized adsorbents for the decolorization of CR dye were carried out separately in three runs in continuous mode. The % color removal and equilibrium dye uptake of the regenerated free and immobilized adsorbents decreased significantly after the first cycle. The decolorization efficiencies of CR dye adsorption were 53.66% and 43.33%; equilibrium dye uptakes were 1.179 mg g^–1 and 0.783 mg g^–1 in the third run of operation with free and immobilized adsorbent, respectively. The column experimental data fit very well to the Thomas and Yoon–Nelson models for the free and immobilized adsorbent with coefficients of correlation R² ≥ 0.976 in various runs. The study concludes that free and immobilized N. nucifera can be efficiently used for the removal of CR from synthetic and industrial wastewater in a continuous flow mode. It makes a substantial contribution to the development of new biomass materials for monitoring and remediation of toxic dye-contaminated water resources.

Clean approach for chromium removal in aqueous environments and role of nanomaterials in bioremediation: Present research and future perspective

Chromium is an insidious ecological pollutant that is of huge value for its toxicity. The existing ecological objective to lower the heights of toxic materials in marine systems and to stimulate the existing water to recycle after suitable treatment of wastewater. Chromium is a hazard element that appears in discharges of numerous industries that must be diminished to accomplish the goals. Nearly all of the findings described in the literature related to the usage of various materials such as fungal, algal, bacterial biomass, and nanomaterials for chromium adsorption. The current work evaluates the findings of research commenced in the preceding on the use of a variety of adsorbents to decrease chromium concentrations in contaminated waters. This review article focuses on the issue of chromium contamination, its chemistry, causes, consequences, biological agent remediation techniques, and the detailed process of chromium detoxification in microbial cells. It also lists a description of the in situ and ex situ chromium bioremediation methods used. This can help design more effective Cr(VI) removal methods, thus bridging the difference between laboratory discoveries and industrial chromium remediation applications.

Application of pyridine-modified chitosan derivative for simultaneous adsorption of Cu(II) and oxyanions of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution

The bioadsorbent C1, which is a chitosan derivative prepared in a one-step synthesis, was successfully used to adsorb Cr(VI) and Cu(II) simultaneously. Here, for the first time the simultaneous adsorption of a cation and an anion was modeled using the Corsel model for kinetics and the Real Adsorbed Solution Theory model for equilibrium data. Batch studies of the adsorption of Cu(II) and Cr(VI) in single and binary aqueous solutions were performed as a function of initial solute concentration, contact time, and solution pH. The maximum adsorption capacities of C1 in single and binary aqueous solutions were 1.84 and 1.13 mmol g^-1 for Cu(II) and 3.86 and 0.98 mmol g^-1 for Cr(VI), respectively. The reuse of C1 was investigated, with Cu(II) ions being almost completely desorbed and fully re-adsorbed. For Cr(VI), the desorption was incomplete resulting in a lower re-adsorption. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was used for mapping the distributions of Cr(VI) and Cu(II) adsorbed on the C1 surface in single and binary adsorption systems. Isothermal titration calorimetry experiments were performed for Cr(VI) and Cu(II) adsorption in single solutions. The thermodynamic parameters of adsorption showed that the adsorption of both metal ions was enthalpically driven, but entropically unfavorable.

Evaluation of Metal Tolerance of Fungal Strains Isolated from Contaminated Mining Soil of Nanjing, China

Simple Summary

In this study, cadmium, chromium, and lead tolerant microbes have been isolated from contaminated mining soil and characterized. Molecular characterization of isolated fungi was performed and amplified sequences were deposited in the GenBank NCBI database. Metal tolerance of the various strains has been determined by measuring the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and the tolerance indexes of all the tested strains against Cd, Cr, and Pb. Bioaccumulation capacities of Trichoderma harzianum and Komagataella phaffi have also been assessed. These findings helped us find a novel strain of Komagataella phaffi and suggested it to be the potential mycoremediation microbe to alleviate the contamination of Cd, Cr, and Pb. Future studies of this fungal strain can help us to understand its resistance mechanism against other heavy metals, too.

Abstract

Rapidly increasing industry has resulted in greater discharge of hazardous chemicals in the soil. In the current study, soil samples were collected from Nanjing mine (32°09′19.29″ N 118°56′57.04″ E) and subjected to heavy metal analysis and microbe isolation. A total of 460 fungi were isolated, and five of these were yeast strains. Most of the strains exhibited tolerance to one metal. Five multimetal tolerant strains were selected and identified as Aspergillus sclerotiorum, Aspergillus aculeatus, Komagataella phaffii, Trichoderma harzianum, and Aspergillus niger. Isolated strains were grown in high concentrations of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb), for induced-tolerance training. The tolerance index (TI) revealed the highest Cd tolerance of novel K. phaffii strain at 5500 ppm (TI: 0.2). K. phaffii also displayed resistance at 4000 ppm against Cr (TI: 0.32) and Pb (TI: 0.32). In contrast, tolerance training for A. niger was not that successful. K. phaffii also displayed the highest bioaccumulation capacity for Cd (25.23 mg/g), Cu (21.63 mg/g), and Pb (20.63 mg/g) at 200 ppm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) explored the morphological changes in the mycelia of stressed fungi. Results of this study describe this delicate approach to be species and metal dependent and suggest a potential utilization of this fungal strain for the bioremediation of contaminated soils.

Statistical optimization of textile dye effluent adsorption by Gracilaria edulis using Plackett-Burman design and response surface methodology

Statistical optimization models were employed to optimize the adsorption of textile dye effluent onto Gracilaria edulis. Significant factors responsible for adsorption were determined using Plackett-Burman design (PBD) and were time, pH, and dye concentration. Box-Behnken (BB) design was used for further optimization. The predicted and the experimental values were found to be in good agreement, the coefficient of determination value 0.9935 and adjusted coefficient of determination value 0.9818 indicated that the model was significant. The results of predicted response optimization showed that maximum decolorization could be attained with time 131.51 min, pH 7.48, and dye concentration 23.13%. The model was validated experimentally with 92.65% decolorization efficiency. The experiment was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high-resolution scanning electron microscope coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (HR-SEM-EDX), X-ray diffraction spectrometry (XRD) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area and pore size analysis techniques. Desorption studies at various pH (2–14) were performed and a maximum of 23% of the dye was recovered from the adsorbed biomass.

Papain immobilized on alginate membrane for wound dressing application

Wound dressings based on natural polymers are of considerable interest in the pharmaceutical industry owing to their improved performance in the human body when compared to synthetic polymers. Alginate, a polysaccharide from brown algae, is commonly studied as a wound dressing owing to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. To improve its therapeutic features and thereby increase wound healing, papain (a proteolytic enzyme from Carica papaya latex) was proposed to be incorporated. Papain is capable of promoting the debridement of devitalized or necrotic tissues. The development of dressing based on alginate and papain aggregates the healing properties of both materials. In addition, the adsorption on a support can stabilize the enzyme structure and permits its release in a controlled manner. The optimal conditions for immobilization were evaluated (initial concentration, temperature, and pH), and the amount immobilized was measured by Bradford assay. The enzyme activity stability over 28 days was measured. The release profile was determined using Franz cell. In vitro cytotoxicity assays were performed using fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Optimal immobilization conditions were identified in a neutral medium at a papain concentration of 20 mg/mL and temperature of 25 °C. The enzyme remained active after immobilization (80 % of its initial activity), and the matrix protected the enzyme from deactivation (70 % reduction on the matrix compared to 94 % in a buffer solution). Franz cell displayed a release profile of 64.1 % of the enzyme after 24 h. The biological assays indicated a bioactive material with proteolytic properties.

Thiol-functionalized inactivated yeast embedded in agar aerogel for highly efficient adsorption of patulin in apple juice

The issue of patulin (PAT) contamination in apple juice has attracted widespread concern. Recently, inactivated yeast based biosorbents have shown great advantages in the removal of toxic contaminants. However, the traditional yeast adsorbents have disadvantages of a limited adsorption capacity in juice and separation difficulty. In the present work, five chemical thiol-functionalization methods were used to increase the PAT adsorption efficiency of yeast cells in apple juice. Thereinto, glutaraldehyde cross-linking increased the thiol (-SH) content of yeast cells to 1.26 mmol g^-1 and improved the PAT adsorption capacity of inactivated yeast in apple juice by 150 times. The covalent bonding of -SH and PAT played an important role in the improvement of adsorption capacity. The as-prepared thiol-modification yeast (Y-SH(Gl)) was then embedded in the agar aerogel to obtain Y-SH(Gl)@Agar free of separation. PAT adsorption of Y-SH(Gl)@Agar was consistent with the Freundlich model and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Moreover, Y-SH(Gl)@Agar was competent for PAT removal in apple juice and manifested negligible effects on juice quality. Cytotoxicity investigation indicated its good biocompatibility and ignorable food safety risk, thereby demonstrating that Y-SH(Gl)@Agar may be a promising adsorbent material for the control of PAT contaminant in juice.

A systematic study of hexavalent chromium adsorption and removal from aqueous environments using chemically functionalized amorphous and mesoporous silica nanoparticles

We report on the synthesis and characterization of highly monodisperse amorphous silica nanoparticles (ASNs) and mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) with particle sizes of 15-60 nm. We demonstrate adsorption of Cr(VI) ions on amino-functionalized ASNs (NH2-ASNs) and MSNs (NH2-MSNs) and their removal from aqueous environments and show the specific surface area (SSA) of NH2-MSNs is four times as larger as that of NH2-ASNs and that more than 70% of the total SSA of NH2-MSNs is due to the presence of nanopores. Analyses of Cr(VI) adsorption kinetics on NH2-ASNs and NH2-MSNs exhibited relatively rapid adsorption behavior following pseudo-second order kinetics as determined by nonlinear fitting. NH2-ASNs and NH2-MSNs exhibited significantly higher Cr(VI) adsorption capacities of 34.0 and 42.2 mg·g-1 and removal efficiencies of 61.9 and 76.8% than those of unfunctionalized ASNs and MSNs, respectively. The Langmuir model resulted in best fits to the adsorption isotherms of NH2-ASNs and NH2-MSNs. The adsorption of Cr(VI) on NH2-ASNs and NH2-MSNs was an endothermic and spontaneous process according to the thermodynamic analyses of temperature-dependent adsorption isotherms. The removal efficiencies of NH2-ASNs and NH2-MSNs exhibited a moderate reduction of less than 25% of the maximum values after five regeneration cycles. Furthermore, NH2-MSNs were also found to reduce adsorbed Cr(VI) into less harmful Cr(III).

Efficient removal of Alizarin Red S from aqueous solution by polyethyleneimine functionalized magnetic carbon nanotubes

Alizarin Red S (ARS) has been extensively used in the dyeing industry. In order to effectively remove the ARS form dyeing wastewater, polyethyleneimine (PEI)-functionalized magnetic carbon nanotubes (PEI@MCNTs) adsorbent was successfully prepared and its adsorption performances were also investigated in detail. The PEI@MCNTs could efficiently remove the ARS from acidic aqueous solution (pH ≤ 6.0) within 40 min under room temperature. Benefiting from a large number of adsorption sites and multiple interactions, PEI@MCNTs possessed high selectivity towards ARS with spontaneous adsorption process. The maximum adsorption capacity of PEI@MCNTs for ARS was 196.08 mg g^-1 obtained from Langmuir isotherm, higher than that of available conventional adsorbents. Moreover, the PEI@MCNTs could be easily collected by an external magnet, and then effectively regenerated through 10 mM NaOH solution. The prepared PEI@MCNTs could be considered as the promising adsorbent for the removal of anthraquinone dyes in large-scale wastewater treatment.

Adsorption and desorption of chromium with humic acid coated iron oxide nanoparticles

Presence of carcinogenic chromium, i.e., Cr(VI), in different industrial effluents necessitates design and development of effective abatement technologies. Nanosorbent consisting of iron oxide nanoparticles functionalized with soil-derived humic acid was employed for removal of Cr(VI). The point of zero charge for both humic acid and nanoparticles as estimated from pH shift experiments was between pH 8 and 9. Adsorption isotherm from batch experiments at neutral pH followed Langmuir model with projected maximum adsorption capacities for humic acid coated nanoparticles (24.13 mg/g) much higher than its uncoated counterpart (2.82 mg/g). Adsorption was process very fast and kinetics could be described with pseudo-second-order model (R² > 0.98), for both nanoparticles. High E4/E6 ratio of extracted humic acid and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of coated nanoparticles (20-100 nm) indicated enrichment of hydroxyl, carboxylic, and aliphatic groups on surface leading for the better adsorption. Humic acid coated and uncoated nanoparticles regenerated with EDTA, NaOH, urea, Na₂CO₃, and NaCl treatments retained 35.90-59.67 and 26.37-36.28% of their initial adsorption capacities, respectively, in 2nd cycle. Experimental controls (virgin nanoparticles subjected to an identical regenerating environment) revealed irreversible surface modification as the cause for loss of their adsorption capacities.

Arsenic (As) Removal Using Talaromyces sp. KM-31 Isolated from As-Contaminated Mine Soil

: Bioremediation is an environmentally-benign and cost-effective approach to removing arsenic from contaminated areas. A fungal strain hyper-tolerant to arsenic was isolated from soil from a mine site and used for the removal of arsenic. The isolated fungus was identified as Talaromyces sp., and its growth rate, arsenic tolerance, and removal rates were investigated for As(III) and As(V). Arsenic tolerance tests revealed that the fungus was highly resistant to arsenic, tolerating concentrations up to 1000 mg/L. Robust mycelial growth was observed in potato dextrose broth containing either As(III) or As(V), and there was no difference in growth between that in arsenic-free medium and medium amended with up to 300 mg/L of either arsenic species. The isolate showed relatively low growth rates at As(V) concentrations >500 mg/L, and almost no growth at As(III) concentrations >300 mg/L. Both arsenic species were effectively removed from aqueous medium (>70%) in tests of the biosorption of arsenic onto mycelial biomass. Surface modification of the biomass with Fe(III) (hydr)oxides significantly enhanced arsenic removal efficiency. The findings indicate that this soil fungal strain has promise for use in bioremediation strategies to remove arsenic from highly contaminated aqueous systems.

Facile Functionalization of Natural Peach Gum Polysaccharide with Multiple Amine Groups for Highly Efficient Removal of Toxic Hexavalent Chromium (Cr(VI)) Ions from Water

The development of low-cost adsorbent with excellent adsorption property remains a big challenge. Herein, the functionalization of natural peach gum polysaccharide (PGP) with multiple amine groups for the removal of toxic Cr(VI) ions from water was studied. The obtained PGP-NH₂ gel exhibited high-removal efficiency (>99.5%) toward Cr(VI) ions, especially with relatively low initial concentration of Cr(VI) ions (≤250 mg/L). The influences of pH, ionic strength, contact time, initial concentration, and temperature on the adsorption of Cr(VI) ions were systematically investigated. The PGP-NH₂ gel showed rapid adsorption rate and could reach adsorption equilibrium within about 40 min. The Cr(VI) ion uptake process could be described by pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models. The maximum adsorption capacity of PGP-NH₂ gel could reach 188.32 mg/g. Thermodynamic investigation results indicated the spontaneous and exothermic characteristic of the uptake process. Moreover, the PGP-NH₂ gel also exhibited favorable reusability, and 135.52 mg/g of adsorption capacity was retained even after being reused for five times. Considering its low cost and superior uptake property, the PGP-NH₂ gel holds a great promise for employing as an adsorbent to treat Cr(VI) ion-containing wastewater.

Immobilization of Sphingomonas sp. GY2B in polyvinyl alcohol-alginate-kaolin beads for efficient degradation of phenol against unfavorable environmental factors

In this study, batch experiments were carried out to evaluate the biodegradation of phenol by Sphingomonas sp. GY2B, which were immobilized in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-sodium alginate-kaolin beads under different conditions. The optimal degradation performance was achieved by GY2B immobilized in beads containing 1.0% (w/v) of kaolin, 10% (w/v) of PVA, 0.3% (w/v) of sodium alginate, 10% (v/v) of biomass dosage, and exposed to an initial phenol concentration of 100 mg/L. The experimental results indicated that PVA-sodium alginate-kaolin beads can accelerate the degradation rate of phenol by reducing the degradation time and also improve degradation rate. The biodegradation rate of phenol by immobilized cells (16.79 ± 0.81 mg/(L·h)) was significantly higher than that of free cells (11.49 ± 1.29 mg/(L·h)) under the above optimal conditions. GY2B immobilized on beads was more competent than free GY2B in degradation under conditions with high phenol concentrations (up to 300 mg/L) and in strong acidic (pH = 1) and alkaline (pH = 12) environments. Higher phenol concentrations inhibit the biomass and reduce the biodegradation rate, while the lower biodegradation rate at low initial phenol concentrations is attributed to mass transfer limitations. The Haldane inhibitory model was in agreement with the experimental data well, revealing that phenol showed a considerable inhibitory effect on the biodegradation by Sphingomonas sp. GY2B, especially at concentrations higher than 90 mg/L. Intra-particle diffusion model analysis suggests that adsorption of phenol by immobilized beads was controlled by both rapid surface adsorption as well as pore diffusion mechanism. It's worth noting that the presence of 1 mg/L Cr(VI) enhanced the biodegradation of phenol by free cells, while Cr(VI) showed no obvious impact on the removal of phenol by immobilized cells. In addition, immobilized cells were reused 16 times and removed 99.5% phenol, and when stored at 4 °C for 90 days, more than 99% phenol was removed. These results showed that immobilized cells can significantly improve the microbial degradation performance, and protect microorganisms against unfavorable environment. It is implied that PVA -sodium alginate-kaolin beads have great potential to be applied in a practical and economical phenolic wastewater treatment system.

Biosorption of Cadmium by Filamentous Fungi Isolated from Coastal Water and Sediments

The use of microorganisms in decontaminating the environment encumbered with heavy metal pollutants through biosorption is considered as a good option for bioremediation. This study was conducted to isolate Cadmium (Cd) tolerant fungi from coastal waters and sediments, compare their biosorption capabilities, and identify the isolates with the highest Cd uptake. Water and sediment samples were collected near the effluent sites of industrial belt in Ibo, Lapu-lapu City, Cebu, Philippines. Potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates containing Cd (25, 50, 75, and 100 ppm) were used to isolate Cd tolerant fungi from the samples. The distinct colonies that grew on the highest Cd concentration (100 ppm) were then isolated into pure cultures. The pure cultures of Cd tolerant fungi served as a source of inocula for in vitro biosorption assay using Cd dissolved in potato dextrose broth (PDB) as the substrate. Cd tolerant fungal isolates with the highest Cd uptake were finally identified up to the lowest possible taxon based on their colonial and microscopic characteristics. Most filamentous fungal colonies have grown most at the lower Cd concentrations and least at the higher concentrations. From the characteristics of the fungal growth on the plate with the highest Cd concentration, eight distinct colonies from both sediment and water samples were isolated into pure cultures. Among the eight fungal isolates, only three had significant Cd biosorption efficiency, these were fungal isolate 3 (13.87 %), fungal isolate 6 (11.46 %), and fungal isolate 4 (10.71 %). Two of them (fungal isolates 3 and 4) belong to genus Aspergillus while the other (fungal isolate 6) is a species of Penicillium. The results of this study showed that Cd tolerant fungi with biosorption capacity could be isolated from coastal water and sediments in the vicinity of areas suspected of heavy metal contamination.

Bioadsorption of trivalent and hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions by sericin-alginate particles produced from Bombyx mori cocoons

In this study, particles produced from sericin-alginate blend were used as non-conventional bioadsorbent for removing Cr(III) and Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. Besides chromium mitigation, the use of sericin-alginate particles as bioadsorbent aims to offer an environmental solution of added value for sericin, which is a by-product from silk industry. Sericin-alginate particles in natura and loaded with Cr(III) and Cr(VI) were characterized using N₂ physical adsorption analysis, optical microcopy, mercury porosimetry, helium pycnometry, scanning electron microscope coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, and X-ray diffraction. Kinetic studies on the removal of Cr(III) (at pH = 3.5) and Cr(VI) (at pH = 2) indicate the ion exchange mechanism with Ca(II) and the predominance of external mass transfer resistance. Cr(VI) uptake occurs through an adsorption-coupled reduction process, and bioadsorption equilibrium is reached after ~ 1000 min. Cr(III) bioadsorption occurs faster (~ 210 min). The Cr(VI) bioadsorption is endothermic, as bioadsorption capacity increases with temperature: 0.0783 mmol/g (20 °C), 0.1960 mmol/g (30 °C), 0.4570 mmol/g (40 °C), and 0.7577 mmol/g (55 °C). The three-parameter isotherm model of Tóth best represents the equilibrium data of total chromium. From Langmuir isotherm model, the maximum bioadsorption capacity is higher for total chromium, 0.25 mmol/g (30 °C), than for trivalent chromium, 0.023 mmol/g (30 °C). The comparison of bioadsorption capacities with different biomaterials confirms sericin-alginate particles as potential bioadsorbent of chromium.

Removal of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solution using complexation-ultrafiltration

Ligand-modified micellar-enhanced ultrafiltration (LM-MEUF) is a membrane technique based on a separation process which can be used for removal of target metals from an aqueous solution. This method involves adding both a metal complexing ligand and surfactant molecule to the aqueous solution under conditions where most of the molecules are present as micelles. This ligand can be attached to the surface of micelles by solubilization and forms the ligand complexes with the metal ion. The aqueous solution is then treated through a membrane which has to be smaller pore sizes than those of the complexes. Hence, permeate water is then purified from the heavy metals. In this study, divalent lead is the target ion in a solution. Filtration experiments were performed with ultrafiltration membrane system, equipped with a regenerated cellulose membrane with a 5000 Daltons cutoff. The pressure was fixed at 4.0 bar with a permeate flow rate of 500 mL min−1. Complexes of Pb2+ ions with three ligands were investigated in micellar medium of different surfactants at different pH values to determine the ligands which could provide separation. Different parameters affecting the percentage rejection of the Pb2+, such as pH and surfactant concentration were also discussed. Results have shown that the maximum percentage of the Pb2+ ions rejection were obtained using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as a surfactant and dithizone (DZ) as the lead-specific ligand. A waste stream sample from a battery plant was subjected to LM-MEUF process in the optimum conditions determined in this study and it was shown that Pb2+ ions in a waste stream could be removed by LM-MEUF effectively.

Responses exhibited by various microbial groups relevant to uranium exposure

There is a strong interest in knowing how various microbial systems respond to the presence of uranium (U), largely in the context of bioremediation. There is no known biological role for uranium so far. Uranium is naturally present in rocks and minerals. The insoluble nature of the U(IV) minerals keeps uranium firmly bound in the earth's crust minimizing its bioavailability. However, anthropogenic nuclear reaction processes over the last few decades have resulted in introduction of uranium into the environment in soluble and toxic forms. Microbes adsorb, accumulate, reduce, oxidize, possibly respire, mineralize and precipitate uranium. This review focuses on the microbial responses to uranium exposure which allows the alteration of the forms and concentrations of uranium within the cell and in the local environment. Detailed information on the three major bioprocesses namely, biosorption, bioprecipitation and bioreduction exhibited by the microbes belonging to various groups and subgroups of bacteria, fungi and algae is provided in this review elucidating their intrinsic and engineered abilities for uranium removal. The survey also highlights the instances of the field trials undertaken for in situ uranium bioremediation. Advances in genomics and proteomics approaches providing the information on the regulatory and physiologically important determinants in the microbes in response to uranium challenge have been catalogued here. Recent developments in metagenomics and metaproteomics indicating the ecologically relevant traits required for the adaptation and survival of environmental microbes residing in uranium contaminated sites are also included. A comprehensive understanding of the microbial responses to uranium can facilitate the development of in situ U bioremediation strategies.

Effective rhizoinoculation and biofilm formation by arsenic immobilizing halophilic plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) isolated from mangrove rhizosphere: A step towards arsenic rhizoremediation

Arsenic (As) uptake by plants is largely influenced by the presence of microbial consortia and their interactions with As. In the coastal region of Bengal deltaic plain of Eastern India, the As-contaminated groundwater is frequently used for irrigation purposes resulting in an elevated level of soil As in agricultural lands. The health hazards associated with As necessitates development of cost-effective remediation strategies to reclaim contaminated agricultural lands. Among the available technologies developed in recent times, bioremediation using bacteria has been found to be the most propitious. In this study, two As-resistant halophilic bacterial strains Kocuria flava AB402 and Bacillus vietnamensis AB403 were isolated, identified and characterized from mangrove rhizosphere of Sundarban. The isolates, AB402 and AB403, could tolerate 35mM and 20mM of arsenite, respectively. The effect of As on the exopolysaccharide (EPS) synthesis, biofilm formation, and root association was evaluated for both the bacterial strains. Arsenic adsorption on the cell surfaces and intracellular accumulation in both the bacterial strains were promising under culture conditions. Moreover, both the strains when used as inoculum, not only promoted the growth of rice seedlings but also decreased As uptake and accumulation in plants.

Reduction of chromium (VI) from aqueous solution by biomass of Cladosporium cladosporioides

The capacity of Cladosporium cladosporioides biomass for removal of Cr(VI) in aqueous solutions was evaluated. A 2 × 2 factorial experiment design was used to study the effects of pH and biomass doses. Lower pH values and larger biomass doses increased the capacity of C. cladosporioides biomass for removal of Cr(VI), reaching a reduction capacity of 492.85 mg g^-1, a significantly higher value compared to other biomass reported. Cr(VI) removal kinetic rates followed a pseudo-second order model, like other fungal biomass reported previously. The apparent adsorption process was described well by the Freundlich isothermal model. However, determination of total chromium indicated that adsorption of Cr(VI) was followed by a redox reaction that released proportional quantities of Cr(III) into the experimental supernatant, suggesting a parallel adsorption-reduction process. Comparison of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra of C. cladosporioides biomass before and after the reduction process demonstrated the involvement of positively charged amino groups in the Cr(VI) adsorption-reduction process.

Tolerance to heavy metals in filamentous fungi isolated from contaminated mining soils in the Zanjan Province, Iran

In the present study the population of fungi inhabiting metal contaminated soil samples from lead-zinc mining area was investigated, and their tolerance and biosorption capacity towards Cd, Pb, Zn and Cu were evaluated. Fungal species, including Acremonium persicinum, Penicillium simplicissimum, Seimatosporium pistaciae, Trichoderma harzianum, Alternaria chlamydosporigena and Fusarium verticillioides were isolated. Fungal tolerance was determined by measuring of the "Minimum Inhibitory Concentration", after exposure to increasing concentrations of heavy metal chlorides. Among the test fungi, Trichoderma harzianum was the most tolerant against Cd, Pb and Cu. The Heavy metal content in the fungal biomass was quantified after combustion. The calculated total sorption of heavy metals showed that Acremonium persicinum and Penicillium simplicissimum had the highest accumulation of Zn and Cu, respectively. The data presented in this study should help to use the accumulation potential of some of those fungal species examined for bioremediation of contaminated soils.

Facile and effective synthesis of adsorbent - utilization of yeast cells immobilized in sodium alginate beads for the adsorption of phosphorus in aqueous solution

We compared the adsorption efficiency of phosphates onto Ca-alginate immobilized yeast and freely suspended yeast under different conditions of pH and temperature. The results clearly demonstrated that the adsorption efficiency onto Ca-alginate immobilized yeast was better than that of freely suspended yeast, and reached a maximum at pH 9.17 and 35 °C. Scanning electron microscopy was used to characterize the morphology of Ca-alginate immobilized yeast. Fitting the adsorption equilibrium data to existing models showed that the Freundlich isotherm model described the process better than the Langmuir model, and the process of adsorption followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. During the initial period of experiment, external diffusion was a key rate-controlling step, and intraparticle diffusion also contributed to the mass transport. The thermodynamic properties (Gibbs free energy change of -15.143 kJ/mol, enthalpy change of 274.118 kJ/mol, and entropy change of 290 J/(mol K)) indicated that the adsorption process was endothermic.