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

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Abstract

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.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank University Grants Commission (UGC-F. No. 41-1254/2012 (SR); dated July 26, 2012) and Department of Biotechnology (DBT-F. No. BT/216/NE/TBP/2011; dated May 02, 2012) for financial assistance. Assistance in the form of instruments from FTIR unit of Chemistry Department and atomic absorption spectroscopy and SEM-EDX facility in Sophisticated Analytical Instrumentation Facility (SAIF), NEHU, is also acknowledged.

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  1. Department of Biochemistry, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong, Meghalaya, 793022, India

    Omega L. Diengdoh, Mayashree B. Syiem & Amar N. Rai

  2. Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India

    Kannan Pakshirajan

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  1. Omega L. Diengdoh
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Correspondence to Mayashree B. Syiem.

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Diengdoh, O.L., Syiem, M.B., Pakshirajan, K. et al. Zn2+ sequestration by Nostoc muscorum: study of thermodynamics, equilibrium isotherms, and biosorption parameters for the metal. Environ Monit Assess 189, 314 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-017-6013-4

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