Summary
The alga, Distigma proteus, isolated from industrial wastewater showed tolerance against Cd2+ (8.0 μg/ml), Cr6+ (12 μg/ml), Pb2+ (15 μg/ml) and Cu2+ (10 μg/ml). The metal ions slowed down the growth of the organism after 4–5 days of exposure. The reduction in cell population was 90% for Cu2+, 84% for Cd2+, 71% for Cr6+, and 63% for Pb2+ after 8 days of metal stress. The order of resistance to heavy metal, in terms of reduction in the cellular population, was Cu2+ > Cd2+ > Cr6+ > Pb2+. Chromium- and cadmium-processing capabilities of the alga were worked out for its potential use as a bioremediator of wastewater. The reduction in the amount of Cr6+ after 2, 4, 6 and 8 days of algal culture containing 5.0 μg Cr6+ ml−1 of culture medium was 77, 85, 92 and 97%, respectively. Distigma could also remove 48% Cd2+after 2 days, 68% after 4 days, 80% after 6 days and 90% after 8 days from the medium. The heavy metal uptake ability of Distigma can be exploited for metal detoxification and environmental clean-up operations.
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Rehman, A., Shakoori, F.R. & Shakoori, A.R. Heavy metal resistant Distigma proteus (Euglenophyta) isolated from industrial effluents and its possible role in bioremediation of contaminated wastewaters. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 23, 753–758 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11274-006-9291-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11274-006-9291-5