Chromium adsorption studies using brewer's spent grain biochar: kinetics, isotherm and thermodynamics / Estudo da adsorção de cromo usando biochar proveniente de bagaço de malte: cinética e termodinâmica

Brewer's spent grain (BSG) is a residue from brewery production, that can be reused as adsorbent of heavy metals like Chromium (Cr). In this study, BSG was used as a biochar for Cr adsorption in batch adsorption experiments. The biochar pyrolysis temperature (500, 600 and 700ºC), pyrolysis time (30, 105 and 180 minutes) and zinc chloride concentration (5, 12.5 and 20%) were evaluated and optimized from a fractional factorial design. An equilibrium adsorption capacity of 78.13 mg.g-1 and a yield of 26.42% were achieved using 700ºC, 30 min, 12.5%. This biochar was applied to the adsorption of Cr in aqueous solution, under different stirring speeds (100, 150 and 200 rpm). The higher agitation speed reduced the adsorption capacity of the coal from 90 to 72 mg.L-1. In addition, the Cr adsorption equilibrium was reached before 100 min. The pseudo-first order model best described the Cr adsorption kinetics. The Redlich-Peterson isothermal model best fitted the experimental data, with the parameter g (close to 1) suggesting Langmuir's assumptions as the most appropriate to describe the adsorption of Cr on the optimized activated carbon.

O bagaço de malte (BM) é um resíduo da produção cervejeira, que pode ser reaproveitado como adsorvente de metais pesados como o Cromo (Cr). Neste estudo, BM foi usado como um biochar para adsorção de Cr em experimentos de adsorção em batelada. O biochar foi avaliado e otimizado a partir de um planejamento fatorial fracionário com as variáveis: temperatura de pirólise (500, 600 e 700ºC), tempo de pirólise (30, 105 e 180 minutos) e concentração de cloreto de zinco (5, 12,5 e 20%). Uma capacidade de adsorção em equilíbrio de 78,13 mg.g-1 e um rendimento de 26,42% foram obtidos usando 700ºC, 30 min, 12,5%. Este biochar foi aplicado na adsorção de Cr em solução aquosa, sob diferentes velocidades de agitação (100, 150 e 200 rpm). Maior velocidade de agitação reduziu a capacidade de adsorção do biochar de 90 para 72 mg.L-1. Além disso, o equilíbrio de adsorção de Cr foi alcançado antes de 100 min. O modelo de pseudo-primeira ordem melhor descreveu a cinética de adsorção de Cr. O modelo isotérmico de Redlich-Peterson foi o que melhor se ajustou aos dados experimentais, com o parâmetro g (próximo de 1) sugerindo as hipóteses de Langmuir como as mais apropriadas para descrever a adsorção de Cr no carvão ativado otimizado.

Assessment of cadmium tolerance and biosorptive potential of Bacillus Cereus GCFSD01 isolated from cadmium contaminated soil / Avaliação da tolerância ao cádmio e do potencial biossorptivo de Bacillus Cereus GCFSD01 isolado de solo contaminado com cádmio

Continuous occurrence of heavy metals is a major cause of environmental pollution due to its toxic effects. At minimum concentrations, these metals are highly reactive and can gather in the food chains and food web, causing major dangers to public health concerns. Soil samples were collected from Paharang drain, Faisalabad. Cadmium tolerant bacteria were isolated and evaluated for their MIC against Cd. The isolated bacterial strain GCFSD01 showed MIC value upto 30 mM/L. The bacterial strain with the highest resistance against Cd was selected for further study. Molecular characterization of bacterial isolate GCFSD01 was performed by 16S rRNA which confirmed it as Bacillus cereus. Optimum growth conditions of bacterial strain were also evaluated. Strain GCFSD01 showed optimum growth at pH 7 and 37 °C temperature. Our result revealed that B. cereus strain GCFSD01 reduced 61.3% Cd after 48 hrs. Multiple metal tolerance and Cd reduction by B. cereus indicate its potential for further use for decontamination of polluted soil.

A ocorrência contínua de metais pesados é uma das principais causas de poluição ambiental devido aos seus efeitos tóxicos. A contaminação por metais pesados representa um grande risco para todas as formas de vida encontradas no meio ambiente. Em concentrações mínimas, esses metais são altamente reativos e podem se acumular nas cadeias alimentares e na cadeia alimentar, causando grandes perigos às preocupações com a saúde pública. Amostras de solo foram coletadas no esgoto de Paharang, Faisalabad. Bactérias tolerantes ao cádmio foram isoladas da amostra coletada pelo método da placa de ágar. As colônias separadas individuais selecionadas foram avaliadas quanto às suas concentrações inibitórias mínimas contra Cd. A cepa bacteriana isolada GCFSD01 apresentou valores de CIM de 30 mM/L. A colônia bacteriana que apresentou maior resistência contra o Cd foi selecionada para identificação. Após seleção da maior colônia bacteriana resistente ao Cd, coloração de Gram e diferentes testes bioquímicos foram realizados para a caracterização da bactéria isolada. A caracterização molecular do isolado bacteriano GCFSD01 foi realizada por PCR 16S rRNA confirmando a presença de Bacillus cereus. Após a identificação molecular, as condições ótimas de crescimento da cepa bacteriana também foram verificadas. A cepa GCFSD01 apresentou crescimento ótimo em pH 7 e temperatura de 37 °C. Nosso resultado revelou que a cepa de B. cereus GCFSD01 reduziu 61,3% de Cd após 48 horas. A tolerância a múltiplos metais e a redução de Cd por B. cereus indicam seu potencial para uso posterior na descontaminação do solo poluído.

Assessment of cadmium tolerance and biosorptive potential of Bacillus Cereus GCFSD01 isolated from cadmium contaminated soil / Avaliação da tolerância ao cádmio e do potencial biossorptivo de Bacillus Cereus GCFSD01 isolado de solo contaminado com cádmio

Continuous occurrence of heavy metals is a major cause of environmental pollution due to its toxic effects. At minimum concentrations, these metals are highly reactive and can gather in the food chains and food web, causing major dangers to public health concerns. Soil samples were collected from Paharang drain, Faisalabad. Cadmium tolerant bacteria were isolated and evaluated for their MIC against Cd. The isolated bacterial strain GCFSD01 showed MIC value upto 30 mM/L. The bacterial strain with the highest resistance against Cd was selected for further study. Molecular characterization of bacterial isolate GCFSD01 was performed by 16S rRNA which confirmed it as Bacillus cereus. Optimum growth conditions of bacterial strain were also evaluated. Strain GCFSD01 showed optimum growth at pH 7 and 37 °C temperature. Our result revealed that B. cereus strain GCFSD01 reduced 61.3% Cd after 48 hrs. Multiple metal tolerance and Cd reduction by B. cereus indicate its potential for further use for decontamination of polluted soil.(AU)

A ocorrência contínua de metais pesados é uma das principais causas de poluição ambiental devido aos seus efeitos tóxicos. A contaminação por metais pesados representa um grande risco para todas as formas de vida encontradas no meio ambiente. Em concentrações mínimas, esses metais são altamente reativos e podem se acumular nas cadeias alimentares e na cadeia alimentar, causando grandes perigos às preocupações com a saúde pública. Amostras de solo foram coletadas no esgoto de Paharang, Faisalabad. Bactérias tolerantes ao cádmio foram isoladas da amostra coletada pelo método da placa de ágar. As colônias separadas individuais selecionadas foram avaliadas quanto às suas concentrações inibitórias mínimas contra Cd. A cepa bacteriana isolada GCFSD01 apresentou valores de CIM de 30 mM/L. A colônia bacteriana que apresentou maior resistência contra o Cd foi selecionada para identificação. Após seleção da maior colônia bacteriana resistente ao Cd, coloração de Gram e diferentes testes bioquímicos foram realizados para a caracterização da bactéria isolada. A caracterização molecular do isolado bacteriano GCFSD01 foi realizada por PCR 16S rRNA confirmando a presença de Bacillus cereus. Após a identificação molecular, as condições ótimas de crescimento da cepa bacteriana também foram verificadas. A cepa GCFSD01 apresentou crescimento ótimo em pH 7 e temperatura de 37 °C. Nosso resultado revelou que a cepa de B. cereus GCFSD01 reduziu 61,3% de Cd após 48 horas. A tolerância a múltiplos metais e a redução de Cd por B. cereus indicam seu potencial para uso posterior na descontaminação do solo poluído.(AU)

Biosorption potential of lead tolerant fungi isolated from refuse dumpsite soil in Nigeria

Metals are non-biodegradable and recurrent in the environs. Heavy metals tolerant fungiwere isolated from refuse dumpsite soil using pour plate method. These fungiwere identified as Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenumandRhizomucor sp. The fungal isolates were screened for cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) with concentration of 200ppm, 400ppm and 600ppm. Aspergillus nigerand Penicillium chrysogenumshowed high tolerance for the metals in contrast to the control. The fungiwith high tolerance were used for biosorption study. However, Penicillium chrysogenumshowed higher lead removal or biosorption potential of 1.07ppm, 3.35ppm and 4.19ppm as compared with Aspergillus nigerwith lead removal of 0.67ppm, 3.11ppm and 3.79ppm at 5th, 10thand 15thday respectively. One-way Analysis of Variance was used to interpret the data generated from the biosorption study which revealed that there was no significant different (p>0.05)between the lead removal of Aspergillus nigerandPenicillium chrysogenumon the 5thday but there was significant difference (p<0.05)in the lead removal of Aspergillus nigerand Penicillium chrysogenumon the 10thand 15thday. This study suggests the use of these fungal isolates for removal and biotreatment of heavy metal contaminated and polluted environment.

Assessment of cadmium tolerance and biosorptive potential of Bacillus Cereus GCFSD01 isolated from cadmium contaminated soil

Abstract Continuous occurrence of heavy metals is a major cause of environmental pollution due to its toxic effects. At minimum concentrations, these metals are highly reactive and can gather in the food chains and food web, causing major dangers to public health concerns. Soil samples were collected from Paharang drain, Faisalabad. Cadmium tolerant bacteria were isolated and evaluated for their MIC against Cd. The isolated bacterial strain GCFSD01 showed MIC value upto 30 mM/L. The bacterial strain with the highest resistance against Cd was selected for further study. Molecular characterization of bacterial isolate GCFSD01 was performed by 16S rRNA which confirmed it as Bacillus cereus. Optimum growth conditions of bacterial strain were also evaluated. Strain GCFSD01 showed optimum growth at pH 7 and 37 °C temperature. Our result revealed that B. cereus strain GCFSD01 reduced 61.3% Cd after 48 hrs. Multiple metal tolerance and Cd reduction by B. cereus indicate its potential for further use for decontamination of polluted soil.

Resumo A ocorrência contínua de metais pesados é uma das principais causas de poluição ambiental devido aos seus efeitos tóxicos. A contaminação por metais pesados representa um grande risco para todas as formas de vida encontradas no meio ambiente. Em concentrações mínimas, esses metais são altamente reativos e podem se acumular nas cadeias alimentares e na cadeia alimentar, causando grandes perigos às preocupações com a saúde pública. Amostras de solo foram coletadas no esgoto de Paharang, Faisalabad. Bactérias tolerantes ao cádmio foram isoladas da amostra coletada pelo método da placa de ágar. As colônias separadas individuais selecionadas foram avaliadas quanto às suas concentrações inibitórias mínimas contra Cd. A cepa bacteriana isolada GCFSD01 apresentou valores de CIM de 30 mM/L. A colônia bacteriana que apresentou maior resistência contra o Cd foi selecionada para identificação. Após seleção da maior colônia bacteriana resistente ao Cd, coloração de Gram e diferentes testes bioquímicos foram realizados para a caracterização da bactéria isolada. A caracterização molecular do isolado bacteriano GCFSD01 foi realizada por PCR 16S rRNA confirmando a presença de Bacillus cereus. Após a identificação molecular, as condições ótimas de crescimento da cepa bacteriana também foram verificadas. A cepa GCFSD01 apresentou crescimento ótimo em pH 7 e temperatura de 37 °C. Nosso resultado revelou que a cepa de B. cereus GCFSD01 reduziu 61,3% de Cd após 48 horas. A tolerância a múltiplos metais e a redução de Cd por B. cereus indicam seu potencial para uso posterior na descontaminação do solo poluído.

Assessment of cadmium tolerance and biosorptive potential of Bacillus Cereus GCFSD01 isolated from cadmium contaminated soil

Abstract Continuous occurrence of heavy metals is a major cause of environmental pollution due to its toxic effects. At minimum concentrations, these metals are highly reactive and can gather in the food chains and food web, causing major dangers to public health concerns. Soil samples were collected from Paharang drain, Faisalabad. Cadmium tolerant bacteria were isolated and evaluated for their MIC against Cd. The isolated bacterial strain GCFSD01 showed MIC value upto 30 mM/L. The bacterial strain with the highest resistance against Cd was selected for further study. Molecular characterization of bacterial isolate GCFSD01 was performed by 16S rRNA which confirmed it as Bacillus cereus. Optimum growth conditions of bacterial strain were also evaluated. Strain GCFSD01 showed optimum growth at pH 7 and 37 °C temperature. Our result revealed that B. cereus strain GCFSD01 reduced 61.3% Cd after 48 hrs. Multiple metal tolerance and Cd reduction by B. cereus indicate its potential for further use for decontamination of polluted soil.

Resumo A ocorrência contínua de metais pesados é uma das principais causas de poluição ambiental devido aos seus efeitos tóxicos. A contaminação por metais pesados representa um grande risco para todas as formas de vida encontradas no meio ambiente. Em concentrações mínimas, esses metais são altamente reativos e podem se acumular nas cadeias alimentares e na cadeia alimentar, causando grandes perigos às preocupações com a saúde pública. Amostras de solo foram coletadas no esgoto de Paharang, Faisalabad. Bactérias tolerantes ao cádmio foram isoladas da amostra coletada pelo método da placa de ágar. As colônias separadas individuais selecionadas foram avaliadas quanto às suas concentrações inibitórias mínimas contra Cd. A cepa bacteriana isolada GCFSD01 apresentou valores de CIM de 30 mM/L. A colônia bacteriana que apresentou maior resistência contra o Cd foi selecionada para identificação. Após seleção da maior colônia bacteriana resistente ao Cd, coloração de Gram e diferentes testes bioquímicos foram realizados para a caracterização da bactéria isolada. A caracterização molecular do isolado bacteriano GCFSD01 foi realizada por PCR 16S rRNA confirmando a presença de Bacillus cereus. Após a identificação molecular, as condições ótimas de crescimento da cepa bacteriana também foram verificadas. A cepa GCFSD01 apresentou crescimento ótimo em pH 7 e temperatura de 37 °C. Nosso resultado revelou que a cepa de B. cereus GCFSD01 reduziu 61,3% de Cd após 48 horas. A tolerância a múltiplos metais e a redução de Cd por B. cereus indicam seu potencial para uso posterior na descontaminação do solo poluído.

Screening of Trichoderma isolates for their potential of biosorption of nickel and cadmium

Fourteen Trichoderma isolates were evaluated for their tolerance to two heavy metals, nickel and cadmium. Three isolates, MT-4, UBT-18, and IBT-I, showed high levels of nickel tolerance, whereas MT-4, UBT-18, and IBT-II showed better tolerance of cadmium than the other isolates. Under nickel stress, biomass production increased up to a Ni concentration of 60 ppm in all strains but then decreased as the concentrations of nickel were further increased. Among the nickel-tolerant isolates, UBT-18 produced significantly higher biomass upon exposure to nickel (up to 150 ppm); however, the minimum concentration of nickel required to inhibit 50% of growth (MIC50) was highest in IBT-I. Among the cadmium-tolerant isolates, IBT-II showed both maximum biomass production and a maximum MIC50 value in cadmium stress. As the biomass of the Trichoderma isolates increased, a higher percentage of nickel removal was observed up to a concentration of 40 ppm, followed by an increase in residual nickel and a decrease in biomass production at higher nickel concentrations in the medium. The increase in cadmium concentrations resulted in a decrease in biomass production and positively correlated with an increase in residual cadmium in the culture broth. Nickel and cadmium stress also influenced the sensitivity of the Trichoderma isolates to soil fungistasis. Isolates IBT-I and UBT-18 were most tolerant to fungistasis under nickel and cadmium stress, respectively.(AU)

Evaluation and enhancement of heavy metals bioremediation in aqueous solutions by Nocardiopsis sp. MORSY1948, and Nocardia sp. MORSY2014

An analysis of wastewater samples collected from different industrial regions of Egypt demonstrated dangerously high levels of nickel (0.27-31.50 mg L-1), chromium (1.50-7.41 mg L-1) and zinc (1.91-9.74 mg L-1) in the effluents. Alarmingly, these heavy metals are among the most toxic knownones to humans and wildlife. Sixty-nine Actinomycete isolates derived from contaminated sites were evaluated under single, binary, and ternary systems for their biosorption capacity for Ni2+, Cr6+ and Zn2+ from aqueous solutions. The results of the study identified isolates MORSY1948 and MORSY2014 as the most active biosorbents. Phenotypic and chemotypic characterization along with molecular phylogenetic evidence confirmed that the two strains are members of the Nocardiopsis and Nocardia genera, respectively. The results also proved that for both the strains, heavy metal reduction was more efficient with dead rather than live biomass. The affinity of the dead biomass of MORSY1948 strain for Ni2+, Cr6+ and Zn2+ under the optimized pH conditions of 7, 8 and 7, respectively at 40 °C temperature with 0.3% biosorbent dosage was found to be as follows: Ni2+ (87.90%) > Zn2+ (84.15%) > Cr6+ (63.75%). However, the dead biomass of MORSY2014 strain under conditions of pH 8 and 50 °C temperature with 0.3% biosorbent dose exhibited the highest affinity which was as follows: Cr6+ (95.22%) > Ni2+ (93.53%) > Zn2+ (90.37%). All heavy metals under study were found to be removed from aqueous solutions in entirety when the sorbent dosage was increased to 0.4%.(AU)

Recovery of copper (II) absorbed in biomass of Cladosporium cladosporioides

The biosorption process, characterized by the use of biomass for removing metals from aqueous solutions, is an attractive technology using inactive and dead biomasses to remove heavy metals from aqueous solutions in the absence of metabolic activity necessary for intracellular accumulation. The desorption process, which concentrates the metal previously absorbed for possible reuse, is also important. The desorption of copper (Cu) (II) associated with the biomass of Cladosporium cladosporioides (Fres) de Vries was evaluated following the biosorption process (adsorption). Specifically, four eluents were used (all at a concentration 0.1 mol L-1), sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetate disodium and calcium chloride, as well as the recovery of Cu (II) desorbed as copper sulfate. After 120 h, 97 % of Cu in solution had been adsorbed. C. cladosporioides can efficiently adsorb Cu (II). Further, 0.1 mol L-1 sulfuric acid was viable and the most efficient for the desorption of the absorbed metal, while ensuring viability of C. cladosporioides after desorption, which is important for the reuse of the biomass in cycles of sorption-desorption.

Recovery of copper (II) absorbed in biomass of Cladosporium cladosporioides

The biosorption process, characterized by the use of biomass for removing metals from aqueous solutions, is an attractive technology using inactive and dead biomasses to remove heavy metals from aqueous solutions in the absence of metabolic activity necessary for intracellular accumulation. The desorption process, which concentrates the metal previously absorbed for possible reuse, is also important. The desorption of copper (Cu) (II) associated with the biomass of Cladosporium cladosporioides (Fres) de Vries was evaluated following the biosorption process (adsorption). Specifically, four eluents were used (all at a concentration 0.1 mol L-1), sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetate disodium and calcium chloride, as well as the recovery of Cu (II) desorbed as copper sulfate. After 120 h, 97 % of Cu in solution had been adsorbed. C. cladosporioides can efficiently adsorb Cu (II). Further, 0.1 mol L-1 sulfuric acid was viable and the most efficient for the desorption of the absorbed metal, while ensuring viability of C. cladosporioides after desorption, which is important for the reuse of the biomass in cycles of sorption-desorption.

Evaluation of copper resistant bacteria from vineyard soils and mining waste for copper biosorption

Vineyard soils are frequently polluted with high concentrations of copper due application of copper sulfate in order to control fungal diseases. Bioremediation is an efficient process for the treatment of contaminated sites. Efficient copper sorption bacteria can be used for bioremoval of copper from contaminated sites. In this study, a total of 106 copper resistant bacteria were examined for resistance to copper toxicity and biosorption of copper. Eighty isolates (45 from vineyard Mollisol, 35 from Inceptisol) were obtained from EMBRAPA (Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária) experimental station, Bento Gonçalves, RS, Brazil (29º09'53.92''S and 51º31'39.40''W) and 26 were obtained from copper mining waste from Caçapava do Sul, RS, Brazil (30º29'43.48''S and 53'32'37.87W). Based on resistance to copper toxicity and biosorption, 15 isolates were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Maximal copper resistance and biosorption at high copper concentration were observed with isolate N2 which removed 80 mg L-1 in 24 h. Contrarily isolate N11 (Bacillus pumilus) displayed the highest specific copper biosorption (121.82 mg/L/OD unit in 24 h). GenBank MEGABLAST analysis revealed that isolate N2 is 99% similar to Staphylococcus pasteuri. Results indicate that several of our isolates have potential use for bioremediation treatment of vineyards soils and mining waste contaminated with high copper concentration.

Role of brown-rot fungi in the bioremoval of azo dyes under different conditions

The present study is vital to the understanding of bioremediation of structurally different azo dyes by some unusual Brown-rot fungi. Bioremoval of each dye (20 mg l-1) was tested in two different culture media under static and shaking conditions by taking inocula from different fungi. Fungal strains showed varying dyes removal abilities, though considerable high in case of Acid Red (AR) 151(di-azo) as compared to Orange (Or) II (mono-azo). With an exception of Aspergillus tereus SA3, all the fungal isolates showed higher removal of dyes in SDB. Under static condition, the maximum decolorizing fungal strains were; Aspergillus flavus SA2 (67%) and Alternaria spp. SA4 (57%) in AR 151, while Penicillium spp. (34 and 33 %) in Orange II, in SDB and STE, respectively. Bioremoval of dyes was considerably increased when experiments were shifted from static to shaking mode. It was specifically increased (%) in; AR 151 (255) with Penicillium spp., Or II with A. flavus SA2 (112) and Alternaria spp. (111). The primary mechanism of dyes removal proved to be fungal biosorption. However, reduction of dyes (onto fungal) with formation of their products (. naphthol, sulphalinic acid and aniline) furthermore revealed that dyes (specifically azo) were actually biodegraded.

Nickel biosorption by Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from industrial wastewater

Nickel biosorption ability was evaluated in two bacterial strains: Acinetobacter baumannii UCR-2971 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa UCR-2957, resulting in greatest adsorption at pH 4.5 and a residence time of 100 minutes. Biosorption isotherms showed that the process follows the Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption rates (Nmax) were 8.8 and 5.7 mg·g-1 for A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa, respectively; however, affinity constants suggest that P. aeruginosa (K=1.28) has higher affinity for nickel than A. baumannii (K=0.68). It is suggested that both strains could be used for wastewater treatment, as long as the concentration of Ni2+ is within the range of mg·L-1.

Foi avaliada a capacidade de adsorção do Ni2+ por duas bactérias, Acinetobacter baumannii e Pseudomonas aeruginosa, em pH 4.5 com tempo de contato de 100 minutos. Isotermas de adsorção foram calculadas com as duas linhagens. Observou-se que, para ambas, o processo de adsorção está de acordo com o modelo fisicoquímico de Langmuir. A captação máxima do Ni2+ (Nmax) foi 5.7 e 8.8 mg Ni2+ g-1 para P. aeruginosa e A. baumannii, respectivamente. Não obstante, P. aeruginosa apresenta uma constante de afinidade (K=1.28) maior que A. baumannii (K=0.68). Estes resultados indicam que ambas as linhagens são adequadas para o tratamento de águas contaminadas, desde que a concentração de níquel seja da ordem de mg·L-1.

Copper influence on polyphosphate metabolism of Cunninghamella elegans

The aim of this work was to evaluate the physiological aspects of polyphosphate metabolism of Cunninghamella elegans grown in presence of copper. The growth profile was obtained by means of biomass yields, orthophosphate consumption, polyphosphate accumulation and phosphatases activities. The results revealed the influence of copper on the growth, observed by biomass yields. Orthophosphate consumption was faster in cells grown in the presence of copper. The presence of copper in the culture medium induced polyphosphate accumulation. The polyphosphate level was almost constant in the beginning of control culture growth, and could be related to the exponential growth phase. On the other hand, the copper treated cultures exhibited a significant reduction in the polyphosphate levels, indicating an active metabolization of the polymer. Acid phosphatase activity was not detected in the conditions studied, but alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly lower in the treated cultures. The results suggest the potential use of Cunninghamella elegans isolate in bioremediation and biosorption applied to environments polluted by copper.

O presente trabalho teve como finalidade avaliar os aspectos fisiológicos do metabolismo do polifosfato em Cunninghamella. elegans cultivada em meio contendo cobre. O perfil de crescimento foi estabelecido em função da produção de biomassa, consumo de ortofosfato, acumulação de polifosfato e atividade das fosfatases. Os resultados obtidos indicaram a influência do metal pesado sobre o crescimento, como observado pelo rendimento da biomassa. O consumo da fonte de fósforo durante as primeiras 24 horas de crescimento na cultura tratada com cobre foi maior que na cultura controle. A acumulação de polifosfato permitiu verificar comportamentos distintos na ausência e presença do metal. A análise do polifosfato celular revelou que, nas amostras tratadas, o polímero é significativamente metabolizado durante o início do cultivo quando em presença do cobre. O isolado analisado não exibiu atividade para a fosfatase ácida. Contudo, o cultivo em presença de cobre induziu variações na expressão da enzima fosfatase alcalina. Uma diminuição significativa da atividade enzimática foi observada para a cultura tratada com o íon metálico. Os estudos demonstram o potencial de Cunninghamella elegans para biorremediação de ambientes contaminados com cobre.

Heavy metal biosorption by chitin and chitosan isolated from Cunninghamella elegans (IFM 46109)

Chitin and chitosan were extracted from mycelial biomass of Cunninghamella elegans and the performance for copper, lead and iron biosorption in aqueous solution was evaluated. The growth curve of C. elegans was accomplished by determination of biomass, pH, glucose and nitrogen consumption. Chitin and chitosan were extracted by alkali-acid treatment and the yields were 23.8 and 7.8%, respectively. For the adsorption analysis, the process of heavy uptake metal sorption was evaluated using polysaccharides solutions (1% w/v). The rate of metallic biosorption was dependent upon the concentration and pH of metal solutions, and the best results were observed with pH 4.0. Chitosan showed the highest affinity for copper and chitin for iron adsorption. The results suggest that C. elegans (IFM 46109) is an attractive source of production of chitin and chitosan, with a great potential of heavy metals bioremediation in polluted environments.

Quitina e quitosana foram extraídas a partir da massa micelial de Cunninghamella elegans (IFM 46109) e avaliou-se a aplicação destes polissacarídeos na remoção dos metais pesados cobre, chumbo e ferro preparados em solução aquosa. O crescimento de C. elegans foi acompanhado através da determinação de biomassa, pH, consumo de glicose e de nitrogênio. A extração de quitina e quitosana realizou-se através de tratamento álcali-ácido e a produção dos polissacarídeos foi de 23,8 e 7,8 %, respectivamente. A avaliação do processo de remoção dos metais pesados foi realizada utilizando-se os polissacarídeos em solução a 1% (p/v). Os níveis de biossorção de metais foram dependentes da concentração e do pH das soluções. Os melhores resultados foram obtidos em pH 4,0. A quitosana mostrou maior índice de biossorção para o íon cobre e a quitina para o ferro. Os resultados sugerem que C.elegans pode ser considerada uma fonte atrativa para a produção alternativa de quitina e quitosana, e que demonstra grande potencial de biossorção de metais pesados em ambientes poluídos.

Desempenho de reator anaeróbio de fluxo ascendente alimentado com lodo de estação de tratamento de água e esgoto sanitário

Nas estações de tratamento de água (ETA), as impurezas retiradas da água juntamente com os produtos hidrolisados dos coagulantes dão origem aos resíduos dos decantadores e das águas de lavagem dos filtros, denominados lodo de ETA. Neste experimento, foi avaliado a disposição de lodo de ETA em reatores anaeróbios de fluxo ascendente com manta de lodo (UASB), com volume de 18 L e 38 L, visando o tratamento para destinação adequada do efluente e do lodo excedente dos reatores. Tal experimento foi dividido em quatro ensaios, com tempo de detenção hidráulica de 24 h nos reatores UASB, previamente inoculados com lodo granulado e floculento. Foram observadas condições em que foram aplicadas ao reator UASB, lodo de ETA, com DQOtotal de 161 mg/L e ST de 1.948 mg/L, e misturas de lodo de ETA com esgoto sanitário nas seguintes proporções, em volume, de 1:1 (lodo de ETA : esgoto sanitário) com DQOtotal de 458 mg/L e ST de 3.039 mg/L; 1:3, com DQOtotal de 519 mg/L e ST de 1.562 mg/L e 1:7, com DQOtotal de 1.174 mg/L e ST de 3.502 mg/L. Os valores médios de eficiência de remoção da DQOtotal foram de 75 a 83% e de ST de 73 a 87%. A maior remoção de P foi de 90% e de N de 41%. As eficiências de remoção de Ca, Co, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu, Pb, Cr e Zn foram superiores a 70%, confirmando a alta capacidade de bioadsorção de metais do lodo anaeróbio. As concentrações de N-am, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr e Zn atenderam aos padrões de lançamento de efluentes da legislação federal. Ocorreram remoções de E. coli acima de 90%, resultando contagens do efluente de 1,5x10 UFC/100 mL, apresentando qualidade microbiológica correspondente à água doce de classe 1, conforme os padrões estabelecidos na Resolução CONAMA 357/2005 . O lodo do reator UASB apresentou valores de relação SV/ST e E. coli que permitiram o seu uso na agricultura

In water treatment plants (WTP), impurities removed from water mixed with coagulative hydrolytic product create waste of decanters and launderings water filters residues called WTP sludge. In this experiment the WTP sludge disposal in an Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket Reactor (UASB) were evaluated, with a volume of 18 L and 38 L, aiming treatment for appropriate disposal of effluent and excess sludge reactors. Such experiment was divided into four assays, with hydraulic detention time of 24 h in UASB reactors by being inoculated previously with flocculent and granular sludge. It was observed conditions in wich it was added to the UASB reactor WTP sludge with CODtotal of 161 mg/L and TS of 1,948 mg/L, and mixtures of WTP sludge and wastewater in the following amounts, in volume, 1:1 (WTP sludge : wastewater) with CODtotal of 458 mg/L and TS of 3,039 mg/L; 1:3 with CODtotal of 519 mg/L and TS of 3,382 mg/L and 1:7 with CODtotal of 1,174 mg/L and TS 3,501 mg/L. The average values of removal efficiency of CODtotal were 75 the 83% and TS 73 the 87%. The highest P removal was 90% and the highest one of N was 41%. Removal efficiencies of Ca, Co, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu, Pb, Cr and Zn were higher than 70% wich confirmed the high capacity of biosorption and bioaccumulation of metals from anaerobic sludge. Concentrations of Nam, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr and Zn fit the quality standards of effluent discharge required by federal legislation. There were removals of E. coli higher than 90% which resulted in counts for effluent of 1.5x10 CFU/100 mL and it showed microbiological quality corresponding to freshwater class 1, according to the standards established in CONAMA Resolution 357/2005. Sludge from the reactor showed ratios of VS /TS and E. coli which allows agricultural use

Uptake of free and complexed silver ions by different strains of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa

Five strains of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa were tested for the ability to accumulate free and complexed silver ions by metabolism-dependent and -independent processes. The ability to take up Ag+ was observed in both live and dead biomass, whereas silver dicyanide [Ag (CN)2-] uptake was strictly glucose dependent. In contrast to Ag (CN)2-, glucose addition inhibited by 16 to 25% the Ag+ uptake rate of living UFMG - Y02, Y27, and Y35 cells, while strains CBS 316 and UFMG-Y01 showed an improved uptake rate of about 115% and 13%, respectively. The Langmuir sorption model was used to evaluate the silver sorption capability of the R. mucilaginosa strains. The calculated q max value suggested that R. mucilaginosa strains UFMG-Y27 had the highest loading capacity. The type strain CBS 316 had the lowest q max but showed the highest affinity for silver ions. The results provided by the Fourier Transform Infra Red analysis (FTIR) suggest that C=O groups represent the main reactive site for silver uptake by the strain UFMG-Y27.

Quatro linhagens de Rhodotorula mucilaginosa e uma linhagem padrão dessa mesma espécie foram investigadas quanto a habilidade de acumular íons de prata livres (Ag+) e complexados [Ag (CN)2-], através de processos dependentes e independentes do metabolismo. A habilidade de acumular Ag+ foi observada em ambas as células, vivas e mortas. Contudo, o acúmulo de Ag (CN)2- foi um processo estritamente dependente de energia. Durante os estudos que avaliaram a dependência de uma fonte energética para o acumulo de íons de prata livres (Ag+) foi observado que a adição de glicose resultou na diminuição do acúmulo de Ag+ por três linhagens (UFMG -- Y02, 27 and 35). Ao passo que as linhagens CBS 316 e UFMG -- Y01 apresentaram aumento do acúmulo desse metal. A analise dos resultados de biossorção através do modelo de Langmuir, sugerem que a linhagem UFMG -- Y27 possui a maior capacidade de acúmulo de prata (carga). Enquanto que a linhagem padrão CBS 316 apresentou a menor capacidade de carga e a maior afinidade por ions de prata. Analises de infra vermelho da biomassa fúngica, com e sem prata, mostraram que os grupamentos C=O foram os principais sítios de ligação desse metal pela linhagem UFMG -- Y27.