Repeated use of Bacillus subtilis cell walls for copper binding

Determination of copper binding in Pseudomonas putida CZ1 by chemical modifications and X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Previously performed studies have shown that Pseudomonas putida CZ1 biomass can bind an appreciable amount of Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions from aqueous solutions. The mechanisms of Cu- and Zn-binding by P. putida CZ1 were ascertained by chemical modifications of the biomass followed by Fourier transform infrared and X-ray absorption spectroscopic analyses of the living or nonliving cells. A dramatic decrease in Cu(II)- and Zn(II)-binding resulted after acidic methanol esterification of the nonliving cells, indicating that carboxyl functional groups play an important role in the binding of metal to the biomaterial. X-ray absorption spectroscopy was used to determine the speciation of Cu ions bound by living and nonliving cells, as well as to elucidate which functional groups were involved in binding of the Cu ions. The X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectra analysis showed that the majority of the Cu was bound in both samples as Cu(II). The fitting results of Cu K-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectra showed that N/O ligands dominated in living and nonliving cells. Therefore, by combining different techniques, our results indicate that carboxyl functional groups are the major ligands responsible for the metal binding in P. putida CZ1.

Studies on enhancement of Cr(VI) biosorption by chemically modified biomass of Rhizopus nigricans

This study reports the biosorption of Cr(VI) by chemically modified biomass of Rhizopus nigricans and the possible mechanism of Cr complexation to the adsorbent. The cell wall of this fungus possesses strong complexing property to effectively remove Cr(VI) anions from solution and wastewater. The mechanism of Cr adsorption by R. nigricans was ascertained by chemical modifications of the dead biomass followed by FTIR spectroscopic analysis of the cell wall constituents. Treatment of the biosorbent with mild alkalies (0.01 N NaOH and ammonia solution) and formaldehyde (10%, w/v) deteriorated the biosorption efficiency. However, extraction of the biomass powder in acids (0.1 N HCl and H2SO4), alcohols (50% v/v, CH3OH and C2H5OH) and acetone (50%, v/v) improved the Cr uptake capacity. Reaction of the cell wall amino groups with acetic anhydride reduced the biosorption potential drastically. Blocking of the-COOH groups by treatment with water soluble carbodiimide also resulted in initial lag in Cr binding. Biomass modification experiments conducted using Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide (CTAB), Polyethylenimine (PEI), and Amino Propyl Trimethoxy Silane (APTS) improved the biosorption efficiency to exceptionally high levels. The FTIR spectroscopic analysis of the native, Cr bound and the other types of chemically modified biomass indicated the involvement of amino groups of Rhizopus cell wall in Cr binding. The adsorption data of the native and the most effectively modified biomass were evaluated by the Freundlich and the Langmuir adsorption isotherms and the possible adsorption phenomena are also discussed.

Biosorption of Cr (VI) from aqueous solution by Rhizopus nigricans

The study was aimed to quantify the Cr sorption ability of powdered biomass of Rhizopus nigricans at the best operating conditions. The influence of solution pH, agitation, Cr (VI) concentration, biomass dosage, contact time, biomass particle size and temperature were studied. The optimum pH for biosorption of Cr (VI) was found to be 2.0. Higher adsorption percentage was noted at lower initial concentrations of Cr ions, while the adsorption capacity of the biomass increased with increasing concentration of ions. Optimum biomass dosage was observed as 0.5% (w/v). More than 75% of the ions were removed within 30 min of contact and maximum removal was obtained after 8 h. Biomass particles of smaller size (90 microm) gave maximum adsorption (99.2%) at 100 mg/l concentration. The adsorption capacity increased with increase in temperature and agitation speed and the optimum were determined as 45 degrees C at 120 rpm. Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms were used to evaluate the data and the regression constants were derived. The adsorption rate constant values (Kad) were calculated for different initial concentration of Cr ions and the sorption was found to be higher at lower concentration (100 mg/l) of metal ion.