Kinetics and equilibrium studies on biosorption of cadmium, lead, and nickel ions from aqueous solutions by intact and chemically modified brown algae

Evaluation and Proteomic Analysis of Lead Adsorption by Lactic Acid Bacteria

Heavy metals are a growing threat to human health due to the resulting damage to the ecology; the removal of heavy metals by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) has been a focus of many studies. In this study, 10 LAB strains were evaluated for their ability to absorb and tolerate lead. Lactobacillus plantarum YW11 was found to possess the strongest ability of lead absorbing and tolerance, with the rate of absorption as high as 99.9% and the minimum inhibitory concentration of lead on YW11 higher than 1000 mg/L. Based on the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) proteomics analysis of YW11, a total of 2009 proteins were identified both in the lead-treated strain and the control without the lead treatment. Among these proteins, 44 different proteins were identified. The abundance of 25 proteins increased significantly, and 19 proteins decreased significantly in the treatment group. These significantly differential abundant proteins are involved in the biological processes of amino acid and lipid metabolism, energy metabolism, cell wall biosynthesis, and substance transport. This study contributed further understanding of the molecular mechanism of L. plantarum in the binding and removal of lead to explore its potential application in counteracting heavy metal pollution of environment, food, and other fields.

Influence of organic matter and CO2 supply on bioremediation of heavy metals by Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus almeriensis in a multimetallic matrix

This research evaluated the influence of organic matter (OM) and CO₂ addition on the bioremediation potential of two microalgae typically used for wastewater treatment: Chlorella vulgaris (CV) and Scenedesmus almeriensis (SA). The heavy metal (HM) removal efficiencies and biosorption capacities of both microalgae were determined in multimetallic solutions (As, B, Cu, Mn, and Zn) mimicking the highest pollutant conditions found in the Loa river (Northern Chile). The presence of OM decreased the total biosorption capacity, specially in As (from 2.2 to 0.0 mg/g for CV and from 2.3 to 1.7 mg/g for SA) and Cu (from 3.2 to 2.3 mg/g for CV and from 2.1 to 1.6 mg/g for SA), but its influence declined over time. CO₂ addition decreased the total HM biosorption capacity for both microalgae species and inhibited CV growth. Finally, metal recovery using different eluents (HCl, NaOH, and CaCl₂) was evaluated at two different concentrations. HCl 0.1 M provided the highest recovery efficiencies, which supported values over 85% of As, 92% of Cu, and ≈100% of Mn and Zn from SA. The presence of OM during the loaded stage resulted in a complete recovery of As, Cu, Mn, and Zn when using HCl 0.1 M as eluent.

Brief bibliometric analysis of "ionic liquid" applications and its review as a substitute for common adsorbent modifier for the adsorption of organic pollutants

The importance of improving adsorbent's adsorption efficiency in organic pollutants has been reported by many researchers. Surfactant-based modified adsorbents were a tasteful choice. As a result, the use of surfactants as a modifier for removing organic pollutants has shown to play a very big role in enhancing the adsorption efficiency of different materials. Ionic liquids are receiving extensive interest as green multipurpose compounds, primarily as a replacement for traditional chemicals that are used in many chemical processes. This work gives a brief bibliometric analysis of application of ionic liquid from 1930 to 2017, documents were collected from Scopus database and keywords from the abstracts and titles were analyzed using VOSviewer software. Furthermore, the work presents a review of conventionally known surfactants and the recent likelihood of ionic liquids for modifying adsorbents for adsorption of organic pollutants. Over the period of years between 1930 and 2017, 13,144 documents were published on the application of ionic liquids. VOSviewer software further confirms that adsorption is one of the leading areas in applications of ionic liquids. Review also showed that ionic liquid is a good modifier of adsorbents.

Biosorptive application of defatted Laurus nobilis leaves as a waste material for treatment of water contaminated with heavy metal

Defatted Laurus nobilis leaves as a natural biosorbent was first evaluated for elimination of toxic heavy metals such as Pb(II), Cd(II), Zn(II), Cu(II) from aqueous solutions for its wide availability as forest industry waste, in this study. The effects of solution pH, contact time, biosorbent dosage, initial metal ions concentration, ionic strength, humic acid effect, and their competitive effect on the biosorption of lead(II), cadmium(II), Copper(II), and zinc(II) by defatted Laurus nobilis leaves waste (LW) were studied for each metal. The biosorbent was characterized using FT-IR and SEM images. Comparative isotherm and kinetic studies were performed. The sorption of Cd(II) and Zn(II) on LW fitted better in the Freundlich model but Pb(II) and Cu(II) sorption fitted better in the Langmuir model. From the obtained results, the pseudo-second-order kinetic model described the biosorption of cadmium, lead, zinc copper ions the best. The biosorbent showed the maximum biosorption capacities (q_m) of 96.2, 8.6, 8.7, and 6.0 mg g^-1 for lead, cadmium, zinc, and copper, respectively. These results indicated that LW may be used as an effective and inexpensive heavy metal remediation material. Comparison to previous studies showed that LW is also comparable to (or better than) several other biosorbents.

Greener Method for the Removal of Toxic Metal Ions from the Wastewater by Application of Agricultural Waste as an Adsorbent

The presence of inorganic pollutants such as metal ions (Ni2+, Pb2+, Cr6+) in water, probably by long-term geochemical changes and from the effluents of various industries, causes diseases and disorders (e.g., cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, muscular dystrophy, hepatitis, and multiple sclerosis). Conventional methods for their removal are limited by technical and economic barriers. In biosorption, low-cost and efficient biomaterials are used for this purpose. In this study, Brassica Campestris stems from the agriculture waste and has been used for the removal of Ni2+, Cr6+ and Pb2+ ions from an aqueous solution containing all the ions. Effect of different parameters, e.g., pH, contact time, metal ion initial concentration, adsorbent dose, agitation rate and temperature were analyzed and optimized. The adsorbent worked well for removal of the Pb2+ and Cr6+ as compared to Ni2+. The atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) and FTIR investigation of adsorbent before and after shows a clear difference in the adsorbent capability. The highest adsorption percentage was found at 98%, 91%, and 49% respectively, under the optimized parameters. Furthermore, the Langmuir isotherm was found better in fitting to the experimental data than that of the Freundlich isotherm.

Enhanced biosorption of Cr(VI) using cotton fibers coated with chitosan - role of ester bonds

We report on the role of ester bonds in the enhanced removal of hexavalent chromium from water using cotton fibers coated with chitosan. Adsorption capacities up to five times higher than those of the unmodified fibers were observed when the cotton fibers were exposed to an NaOH, followed by citric acid (0.97 M), and a chitosan solution (2%). We found that the use of NaOH favors the formation of ester bonds over amide bonds on the surface of the cotton fibers. This increase in the surface density of ester bonds generates an increase in the amount of exposed amino groups from the chitosan, hence increasing the removal capacity of the modified fibers. Experimental results also reveal that the adsorption is induced by the electrostatic attraction between the protonated amino groups on the surface and the negatively charged chromium ions in the water. Adsorption isotherms and kinetic studies indicated that the adsorption process fits the Langmuir and the Freundlich isotherm models as well as the pseudo-first and pseudo-second order kinetic models. These results can open a new avenue for the manufacturing of fibers with enhanced removal capacities for hexavalent chromium.

Comparative uptake study of arsenic, boron, copper, manganese and zinc from water by different green microalgae

This work represents a comparative uptake study of the toxic elements arsenic, boron, copper, manganese and zinc in monometallic and multimetallic solutions by four green microalgae species (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus almeriensis and an indigenous Chlorophyceae spp.), evaluating the effect of pH and contact time. Maximum removal efficiencies for each toxic element were 99.4% for Mn (C. vulgaris, pH 7.0, 3 h), 91.9% for Zn (Chlorophyceae spp., pH 5.5, 3 h), 88% for Cu (Chlorophyceae spp., pH 7.0, 10 min), 40.7% for As (S. almeriensis, pH 9.5, 3 h) and 38.6% for B (S. almeriensis, pH 5.5, 10 min). B removal efficiencies decreased remarkably in multimetallic solutions (down to 0.2% in C. reinhardtii), except for Chlorophyceae spp., the only species isolated from a polluted environment. FTIR spectra shown the highest interactions for As (1150-1300 cm^-1) and Cu (3300, 1741, 1535, 1350-1400 cm^-1). Results confirm microalgae biomass as a potential biosorbent for toxic elements.

A novel biosorbent prepared by immobilized Bacillus licheniformis for lead removal from wastewater

Magnetic polyving akohol (PVA) immobilized the endogenous bacterium Bacillus licheniformis with sodium alginate to get a novel biosorbent. The optimum preparation and adsorption conditions were studied. The optimal preparation conditions was the fraction of magnetic PVA was 9%, the fraction of sodium alginate was 0.8%, the fraction of microbial suspensions was 5% and the crosslinking time was 20 h. The best adsorption conditions were listed as follows: pH was 6, the biosorbent dosage was 0.7 g L^-1, the initial concentration of lead ions was 200 mg L^-1 and the optimal adsorption time was 12 h. The results of SEM and FTIR spectroscopy analysis displayed this novel biosorbents had good structure and the functional groups on the surface was abundant. The VSM analysis confirmed the novel biosorbents had good magnetic magnetization and were easily separated from aqueous medium. Under the optimum conditions, the removal rate of lead ions from waste water could reach 98%, the calculated maximum adsorption capacity could be up to 113.84 mg g^-1. The whole adsorption process was well fit by the pseudo-second order kinetic and it was also a Langmuir monolayer adsorption. The desorption experiments showed the biosorbent had good re-usability.

Zn2+ sequestration by Nostoc muscorum: study of thermodynamics, equilibrium isotherms, and biosorption parameters for the metal

Microbial biosorption has evolved as an effective strategy for heavy metal removal from contaminated waters. The common cyanobacterium Nostoc muscorum isolated from the banks of a polluted river in Meghalaya, India, was tested for its potential to remove Zn²⁺ from aqueous solutions. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) study verified Zn binding on the cyanobacterial biomass, and FTIR analysis revealed many negatively charged functional groups (hydroxyl, carbonyl, alcohol, amine, phosphoryl, sulfhydryl, and carboxyl) on the cell surface that aided in metal binding. Thermodynamic studies established the biosorption process to be energetically favorable with negative free energy change (-10.404, -10.599, and -10.796 kJ/mol at 298, 303, and 308 K, respectively). Sorption isotherm data fitted best in the Langmuir isotherm indicating monolayer nature of Zn sorption. The organism showed hyper-accumulation tendency towards Zn with a maximum sorption capacity as high as 2500 mg of Zn taken up per gram of biomass. The separation factor R _L calculated from Langmuir isotherm ranged between 0 and 1 signifying favorable interaction between the cyanobacterial biomass and the Zn ions. Various experimental parameters, viz. pH, temperature, inoculum age and size, and shaking rate, influenced Zn biosorption. Optimized experimental conditions significantly enhanced the sorption percentage. Sorption was primarily a fast surface phenomenon in the beginning with internalization of zinc ions by the live cells on prolonged exposure.

Potential of Salvinia auriculata biomass as biosorbent of the Cr(III): directed chemical treatment, modeling and sorption mechanism study

In this work, the mechanism of the Cr(III) sorption by Salvinia auriculata biosorbent was studied in two stages. To understand the influence of the sorption parameters on the Cr(III) uptake, preliminary tests were performed. First, S. auriculata biomass was separately treated with base and acid solutions. Second, acid and base treatment of samples was performed based on the knowledge data base of our group. It was achieved a higher Cr(III) sorption capacity above 15 mg g-1 as associated to an increase of the micro-pores specific area and biosorbent volume. The obtained kinetic data of raw and treated biosorbents were well described by the intra-particle diffusion model. In this model, Cr(III) adsorption onto treated biomass is progressively improved with appearing of different mass transfer zones from out layer up to micro-porous layers. The equilibrium data of raw biomass were best described by the Langmuir isotherm, whereas the equilibrium data of the treated biomass were best fit by a combination of both Langmuir and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherms. At low concentrations the adsorption most likely occurred on the outer monolayer, as proposed by the Langmuir model, followed by the adsorption on the micro-porous layers, as validated by the Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm.

Bioremediation of cadmium-contaminated water systems using intact and alkaline-treated alga (Hydrodictyon reticulatum) naturally grown in an ecosystem

Cadmium can enter water, soil, and food chain in amounts harmful to human health by industrial wastes. The use of intact and NaOH-treated dried algal tissues (Hydrodictyon reticulatum), a major ecosystem bio-component, for Cd removal from aqueous solutions was characterized. Cadmium biosorption was found to be dependent on solution pH, bioadsorbent dose, the interaction between pH and dose, contact time, and initial Cd concentration. The experimental results indicated that the biosorption performance of alkaline-treated algal tissues was better than that of intact tissues. The maximum biosorption capacities were 7.40 and 12.74 mg g^-1 for intact and alkaline-treated bioadsorbents, respectively, at optimum operating conditions. Biosorption reaches equilibrium after 24 and 240 minutes of contact, respectively, for alkaline-treated and intact bioadsorbents. Cadmium biosorption was best fitted to Langmuir isotherm model (R² ≈ 0.99) and the kinetic study obeyed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, which suggests chemisorption as the rate-limiting step in the biosorption process. Alkaline-treated algal tissues can be used as a new material of low-cost bioadsorbent for continuous flow rate treatment systems.

Application of a breakthrough biosorbent for removing heavy metals from synthetic and real wastewaters in a lab-scale continuous fixed-bed column

A continuous fixed-bed study was carried out utilising a breakthrough biosorbent, specifically multi-metal binding biosorbent (MMBB) for removing cadmium, copper, lead and zinc. The effect of operating conditions, i.e. influent flow rate, metal concentration and bed depth was investigated at pH 5.5±0.1 for a synthetic wastewater sample. Results confirmed that the total amount of metal adsorption declined with increasing influent flow rate and also rose when each metal concentration also increased. The maximum biosorption capacities of 38.25, 63.37, 108.12 and 35.23mg/g for Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn, respectively, were achieved at 31cm bed height, 10mL/min flow rate and 20mg/L initial concentration. The Thomas model better described the whole dynamic behaviour of the column rather than the Dose Response and Yoon-Nelson models. Finally, desorption studies indicated that metal-loaded biosorbent could be used after three consecutive sorption, desorption and regeneration cycles by applying a semi-simulated real wastewater.

Design of hybrid PVA-CA-Jania rubens biomatrix for removal of lead

Polyvinyl alcohol-sodium alginate (PVA-SA) matrix was fabricated and red algae Jania rubens was embedded for removal of lead from aqueous solutions. The Pb(II) uptake rate was rapid primarily at 1 h and equilibrium was achieved within 2 h. The optimum pH was 5, the data were well fitted by Langmuir and Freundlich models, and R_L values are in the range of 0.1-0.38. The sorption capacity (q_e) of PVA-calcium alginate (CA)-J. rubens matrix increased from 10.77 to 37.195 mg g^-1 with increasing Pb(II) concentration from 24.86 to 98.75 mg L^-1 at the temperature of 30°C and pH 5. The sorption capacity (q_e) and maximum biosorption (q_m) were noted as 37.179 ± 0.32 and 71.43 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption process was well described by pseudo-second-order model. The reaction is endothermic, is spontaneous, and increases in randomness. The functional groups present on matrix, i.e., -OH, -C-N, -C-O,-CO-NH, -NH₂, -SH, and -C-OH, were intensely involved in the process. Scanning electron microscopy results revealed the morphological changes due to adsorption of Pb(II) on and inside of PVA-CA-J. rubens matrix. Desorption study indicates the efficient regeneration of PVA-CA-J. rubens biomass matrix for three cycles and is a promising matrix for removal of Pb(II) and can be used in continuous systems.

Pb(II) Removal Process in a Packed Column System with Xanthation-Modified Deoiled Allspice Husk

The present research dealt with lead removal using modified Pimenta dioica L. Merrill as biosorbent in a batch and in continuous flow column systems, respectively. The allspice husk residues were modified first with a treatment through the xanthation reaction. For the adsorption tests, the atomic adsorption spectrophotometry method was used to determine the lead concentrations in the liquid samples. In the kinetic batch study (10 mg of sorbent in 10 mL of 25 mg L−1 lead solution), the removal efficiency was 99% (adsorption capacity of 25.8 mg g−1). The kinetic data followed the pseudo-second-order model. The adsorption isotherm was fitted to the Freundlich model, where constants were Kf and 1/n (8.06 mg(1-1/n) g−1 L1/n and 0.52), corresponding to adsorption capacities of 8 and 62 mg g−1, at liquid equilibrium concentration of 1 and 50 mg L−1, respectively. In the continuous flow systems where lead solution of 50 mg L−1 was treated in 2 columns of 5 cm (4.45 g) and 10 cm (9.07 g) bed heights, the dynamic adsorption capacity obtained by fitting the Thomas model was 29.114 mg g−1 and 45.322 mg g−1, respectively.

Adsorption of Cr(VI) onto Hybrid Membrane of Carboxymethyl Chitosan and Silicon Dioxide

In this study, a new adsorbent material was synthesized by using carboxymethyl chitosan and silicon dioxide. The hybrid membrane was used as an adsorbent for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. The adsorption potential of Cr(VI) by the hybrid materials was investigated by varying experimental conditions such as pH, contact time, and the dosage of the hybrid membrane. Adsorption isotherms of Cr(VI) onto the hybrid membrane were studied with varying initial concentrations under optimum experiment conditions. The surface property of the hybrid membrane was characterized by SEM (scanning electron microscope) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). The concentrations of Cr(VI) in solution are determined by ICP-AES (inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry). The present study investigates the adsorption mechanisms of Cr(VI) onto the hybrid membrane. The results provide new insight, demonstrating that the modified hybrid membrane can be an efficient adsorbent for Cr(VI) from the aqueous solution.

Adsorptive Removal of Benzene and Toluene from Aqueous Environments by Cupric Oxide Nanoparticles: Kinetics and Isotherm Studies

Removal of benzene and toluene, as the major pollutants of water resources, has attracted researchers’ attention, given the risk they pose to human health. In the present study, the potential of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) in eliminating benzene and toluene from a mixed aqueous solution was evaluated. For this, we performed batch experiments to investigate the effect of solution pH (3–13), dose of CuO-NPs (0.1–0.8 g), contact time (5–120 min), and concentration of benzene and toluene (10–200 mg/l) on sorption efficiency. The maximum removal was observed at neutral pH. By using the Langmuir model, we measured the highest adsorption capacity to be 100.24 mg/g for benzene and 111.31 mg/g for toluene. Under optimal conditions, adsorption efficiency was 98.7% and 92.5% for benzene and toluene, respectively. The sorption data by CuO-NPs well fitted into the following models: Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin-Radushkevich model. The experimental information well fitted in the Freundlich for benzene and Langmuir for toluene. Based on the results, adsorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetics with acceptable coefficients. The findings introduced CuO-NPs as efficient compounds in pollutants adsorption. In fact, they could be used to develop a simple and efficient pollutant removal method from aqueous solutions.

Variations in lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury concentrations during honeybee wax processing using casting technology

Beeswax foundations are a necessary material in intensive modern beekeeping. Heavy metals can accumulate in these foundations for decades, as it is a common beekeeping practice to recycle wax. Beeswax samples were analysed using GFAAS for As, Cd, Pb, and Hg concentrations during the production of beeswax foundations using casting technology with a prolonged cooling and sedimentation phase. Significant differences were determined in the concentrations of As, Cd, Pb (p<0.01, all), and Hg (p<0.05) between the three levels of wax in a double-walled steel casting container and comb foundations (CF) during the processing stage. Concentrations (mg kg-1) of the examined metals in comb foundations as the final product ranged as follows: As 0.01-0.88; Cd 1.26-3.55; Pb 82.5-171, and Hg 0.29-1.46. All examined element concentrations demonstrated similar distribution and ratio in different layers, ranging from the lowest concentrations in layers from which wax material is used for comb foundations as the final product, to the highest concentrations in sedimented layer, which represents waste. The obtained results suggest that the described method could effectively eliminate a significant amount of heavy metals from the initial material used for the production of new beeswax foundations.

Removal of nickel and cadmium heavy metals using nanofiber membranes functionalized with (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (TMPTMS)

Functionalized nanofibrous membranes have been produced via electrospinning with a polymer solution of 19% (w/w) of nylon 66 prepared in a formic acid/chloroform mixture (75:25 v/v). The optimum parameters of electrospinning, like voltage, flow rate, tip and collector distances, were achieved and produced nanofiber membranes with a thickness of 287 nm. Then the nanofiber membranes were functionalized by (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (TMPTMS) at various amounts. Three different initial concentrations of metal ions and three different levels of pH were chosen. The effect of filtration process parameters such as the initial concentration of metal solution, pH of the solution, and the amount of functionalizer trimethoxysilane (TMPTMS) on the adsorption was studied. In surveying filtration process parameters, the results showed that metal ion rejection increased by increasing the pH of the solution and decreased by increasing the initial concentration of the effluent. By increasing the amount of functionalizer, removal efficiency increased. The results showed that the maximum efficiency of absorption of cadmium and nickel were 93.0 and 97.6%, respectively, and the filtering mechanism of the membrane is the blocking pores type. The adsorption data of cadmium and nickel ions fitted particularly well with the Freundlich isotherm.

Age affects not only metabolome but also metal toxicity in Scenedesmus quadricauda cultures

Responses of Scenedesmus quadricauda grown in vitro and differing in age (old culture-13 months, young culture-1 month) to short-term cadmium (Cd) or nickel (Ni) excess (24h) were compared. Higher age of the culture led to lower amount of chlorophylls, ascorbic acid and glutathione but higher signal of ROS. Surprisingly, sucrose was detected using DART-Orbitrap MS in both old and young culture and subsequent quantification confirmed its higher amount (ca. 3-times) in the old culture. Cd affected viability and ROS amount more negatively than Ni that could arise from excessive Cd uptake which was also higher in all treatments than in respective Ni counterparts. Surprisingly, nitric oxide was not extensively different in response to age or metals. Strong induction of phytochelatin 2 is certainly Cd-specific response while Ni also elevated ascorbate content. Krebs cycle acids were more accumulated in the young culture but they were rather elevated in the old culture (citric acid under Ni excess). We conclude that organic solid 'Milieu Bristol' medium we tested is suitable for long-term storage of unicellular green algae (also successfully tested for Coccomyxa sp. and Parachlorella sp.) and the impact of age on metal uptake may be useful for bioremediation purposes.

A breakthrough biosorbent in removing heavy metals: Equilibrium, kinetic, thermodynamic and mechanism analyses in a lab-scale study

A breakthrough biosorbent namely multi-metal binding biosorbent (MMBB) made from a combination of tea wastes, maple leaves and mandarin peels, was prepared to evaluate their biosorptive potential for removal of Cd(II), Cu(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II) from multi-metal aqueous solutions. FTIR and SEM were conducted, before and after biosorption, to explore the intensity and position of the available functional groups and changes in adsorbent surface morphology. Carboxylic, hydroxyl and amine groups were found to be the principal functional groups for the sorption of metals. MMBB exhibited best performance at pH 5.5 with maximum sorption capacities of 31.73, 41.06, 76.25 and 26.63 mg/g for Cd(II), Cu(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II), respectively. Pseudo-first and pseudo-second-order models represented the kinetic experimental data in different initial metal concentrations very well. Among two-parameter adsorption isotherm models, the Langmuir equation gave a better fit of the equilibrium data. For Cu(II) and Zn(II), the Khan isotherm describes better biosorption conditions while for Cd(II) and Pb(II), the Sips model was found to provide the best correlation of the biosorption equilibrium data. The calculated thermodynamic parameters indicated feasible, spontaneous and exothermic biosorption process. Overall, this novel MMBB can effectively be utilized as an adsorbent to remove heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions.

Competitive Adsorption of Cadmium(II) and Mercury(II) Ions from Aqueous Solutions by Activated Carbon from Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge Hull

This paper presents low-cost and recyclable activated carbon (XLAC) derived from Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge hull for high-efficiency adsorption of Cd(II) and Hg(II) ions in industrial wastewater. XLAC was prepared through H3PO4 activation and was characterized using N2 adsorption-desorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. In single-metal-system adsorption experiments, the maximum adsorption capacities for Cd(II) and Hg(II) obtained under different experimental conditions were 388.7 and 235.6 mg·g−1, respectively. All adsorption equilibrium data fit perfectly with the Langmuir isotherm model. In a binary metal system, competitive studies demonstrated that the presence of Cd(II) significantly decreased the adsorption of Hg(II), but the adsorption of Cd(II) showed a little change in the presence of Hg(II). In addition, XLAC can be regenerated with a 0.01 mol·L−1 HNO3 solution and reused at least four times. The FTIR spectra revealed that a chemical interaction occurs between functional groups containing lone electron pairs in XLAC and metal ions. Overall, these results suggest that XLAC may be suitable as an adsorbent for heavy metal removal from wastewater streams.

Optimization of process parameters for heavy metals biosorption onto mustard waste biomass

Mustard waste biomass was tested as a biosorbent for the removal of Pb(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) from aqueous solution. This strategy may be a sustainable option for the utilization of such wastes. The influence of the most important operating parameters of the biosorption process was analyzed in batch experiments, and optimal conditions were found to include initial solution pH 5.5, 5.0 g biosorbent/L, 2 hours of contact time and high temperature. Kinetics analyses show that the maximum of biosorption was quickly reached and could be described by a pseudo-second order kinetic model. The equilibrium data were well fitted by the Langmuir model, and the highest values of maximum biosorption capacity were obtained with Pb(II), followed by Zn(II) and Cd(II). The thermodynamic parameters of the biosorption process (ΔG, ΔH and ΔS) were also evaluated from isotherms. The results of this study suggest that mustard waste biomass can be used for the removal of heavy metals from aqueous media.

Protective Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum CCFM8246 against Copper Toxicity in Mice

Lactobacillus plantarum CCFM8246, which has a relatively strong copper binding capacity and tolerance to copper ions, was obtained by screening from 16 lactic acid bacteria in vitro. The selected strain was then applied to a mouse model to evaluate its protective function against copper intoxication in vivo. The experimental mice were divided into an intervention group and a therapy group; mice in the intervention group received co-administration of CCFM8246 and a copper ion solution by gavage, while mice in the therapy group were treated with CCFM8246 after 4 weeks of copper exposure. In both two groups, mice treated with copper alone and that treated with neither CCFM8246 nor copper served as positive and negative controls, respectively. At the end of the experimental period, the copper content in feces and tissues, the activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum, and oxidation stress indices in liver and kidney tissue were determined. Learning and memory ability was evaluated by Morris water maze experiments. The results indicated that treatment with CCFM8246 significantly increased the copper content in feces to promote copper excretion, reduce the accumulation of copper in tissues, reverse oxidative stress induced by copper exposure, recover the ALT and AST in serum and improve the spatial memory of mice.

Lignocellulosic Wheat Straw-Derived Ion-Exchange Adsorbent for Heavy Metals Removal

The aim of this work is to develop partially delignified Ca(2+)-and-Mg(2+)-ion-exchanged product from lignocellulosic wheat straw for the removal of eight different heavy metals Pb(2+), Cd(2+), Hg(2+), Co(2+), Ni(2+), Mn(2+), Zn(2+), and Cu(2+) and for detoxification of Cr(VI). Maximum fixation capacity, pH, and initial metal concentration dependence were determined to confirm strong affinity of Pb(2+), Cd(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), and Hg(2+) ions onto the product, whereas Co(2+), Ni(2+), and Mn(2+) were the least fixed. Morphology of the product characterized by scanning electron microscope showed its physical integrity. Different experimental approaches were applied to determine the role of cations such as Ca(2+), Mg(2+), and Na(+) and several functional groups present in the product in an ion exchange for the fixation of metal ions. Potentiometric titration and Scatchard and Dahlquist interpretation were employed for determination of binding site heterogeneity. Results showed strong and weak binding sites in the product. This product has advantages over other conventional processes by virtue of abundance, easy operational process, and cost reduction in waste disposal of its raw material.

Characterization of a multi-metal binding biosorbent: Chemical modification and desorption studies

This work attends to preparation and characterization of a novel multi-metal binding biosorbent after chemical modification and desorption studies. Biomass is a combination of tea waste, maple leaves and mandarin peels with a certain proportion to adsorb cadmium, copper, lead and zinc ions from aqueous solutions. The mechanism involved in metal removal was investigated by SEM, SEM/EDS and FTIR. SEM/EDS showed the presence of different chemicals and adsorbed heavy metal ions on the surface of biosorbent. FTIR of both unmodified and modified biosorbents revealed the important role of carboxylate groups in heavy metal biosorption. Desorption using different eluents and 0.1 M HCl showed the best desorption performance. The effectiveness of regeneration step by 1 M CaCl2 on five successive cycles of sorption and desorption displays this multi-metal binding biosorbent (MMBB) can effectively be utilized as an adsorbent to remove heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions in five cycles of sorption/desorption/regeneration.

Comparison of the kinetics of different Markov models for ligand binding under varying conditions

We recently derived a Markov model for macromolecular ligand binding dynamics from few physical assumptions and showed that its stationary distribution is the grand canonical ensemble [J. W. R. Martini, M. Habeck, and M. Schlather, J. Math. Chem. 52, 665 (2014)]. The transition probabilities of the proposed Markov process define a particular Glauber dynamics and have some similarity to the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm. Here, we illustrate that this model is the stochastic analog of (pseudo) rate equations and the corresponding system of differential equations. Moreover, it can be viewed as a limiting case of general stochastic simulations of chemical kinetics. Thus, the model links stochastic and deterministic approaches as well as kinetics and equilibrium described by the grand canonical ensemble. We demonstrate that the family of transition matrices of our model, parameterized by temperature and ligand activity, generates ligand binding kinetics that respond to changes in these parameters in a qualitatively similar way as experimentally observed kinetics. In contrast, neither the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm nor the Glauber heat bath reflects changes in the external conditions correctly. Both converge rapidly to the stationary distribution, which is advantageous when the major interest is in the equilibrium state, but fail to describe the kinetics of ligand binding realistically. To simulate cellular processes that involve the reversible stochastic binding of multiple factors, our pseudo rate equation model should therefore be preferred to the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm and the Glauber heat bath, if the stationary distribution is not of only interest.

Effects of lead on tolerance, bioaccumulation, and antioxidative defense system of green algae, Cladophora

Effects of various concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 mg/L) of lead (Pb(2+)) on the growth, bioaccumulation, and antioxidative defense system of green algae, Cladophora, was investigated. Low concentrations of Pb(2+) accelerated Cladophora growth, but concentrations of 10.0 mg/L and above inhibited the growth because of the hinderance to photosynthesis. The total soluble sugar content of Cladophora was affected by Pb(2+) treatment, but the protein content showed no significant changes. The malondialdehyde (MDA) content and peroxidase(POD) activity of Cladophora gradually increased whereas superoxide dismutase(SOD) decreased with Pb(2+) concentrations. Catalase (CAT) activity exhibited no significant changes following Pb(2+) treatment. Pb(2+) accumulated in Cladophora and that the lead content in Cladophora was correlated with POD growth, MDA, and Metallothionein (MT). POD and MT play a role in the survival of Cladophora in Pb-contaminated environments. This study suggests that Cladophora can be a choice organism for the phytoremediation of Pb-polluted coastal areas.

Preparation of modified cotton cellulose in ionic liquid and its adsorption of Cu(ii) and Ni(ii) from aqueous solutions

A series of novel cotton cellulose-graft-polycaprolactone copolymers with different grafting contents were successfully prepared via ring-opening polymerization (ROP) in an ionic liquid 1-N-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim]Cl).

Examination of Pb2+ bio-sorption onto Rhodotorula mucilaginosa using response surface methodology

With the rapid industrial development, wastewater has been a risk for environmental contamination. We aimed to explore the optimum condition and mechanism of Pb2+ bio-sorption onto Rhodotorula mucilaginosa WT6-5. Optimization of initial concentration of Pb2+, initial pH, and adsorption time for Pb2+ bio-sorption onto R. mucilaginosa WT6-5 was performed using response surface methodology. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray detection, X-ray fluorescence and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to analyze the mechanisms and characteristics of Pb2+ bio-sorption. A maximum Pb2+ bio-sorption capacity of 1.45 mg/g was obtained under the optimal conditions of initial concentration of Pb2+ (30 mg/L), initial pH (5.45) and adsorption time (25 minutes). Some Pb2+ remained after adsorption, and the -OH, -C=O and C-O functional groups were primarily involved in Pb2+ bio-sorption onto R. mucilaginosa WT6-5. The mechanism of Pb2+ bio-sorption involved chemical and biological actions, ion exchange and functional groups effects.