Fe(II) speciation and its uptake by free and immobilized cells of Pseudomonas fluorescens from industrial waste water.

ABSTRACT

Studies are carried out to remove Fe(II) from wastewater using free and immobilized cells of Pseudomonas fluorescens. Experiments are carried out with free cells between 6 and 8 pH and the uptake of Fe(II) is observed to be maximum at pH 7. Further experiments are done at pH 7. Studies with free and immobilized cells revealed that immobilized cells are more efficient for the removal of Fe(II) than free cells. Fe(II) uptake with Pseudomonas fluorescens is also investigated after the addition of NaCl and MgCl2 to the cells. It is found that the uptake has increased when Sodium chloride (NaCl) and Magnesium Chloride (MgCl2) mixed cells are used. Effect of deficiency of nutrients is also studied. It is found that glucose deficient conditions inhibit Fe(II) uptake more than yeast extract deficient ones. pH also plays an important role in the transport of Fe(II) across the membrane of the cells.