Removal of lead and chromium from aqueous solution by bacillus circulans biofilm

ABSTRACT

The different methods are used for the removal of heavy metals as important contaminants in water and waste water. Biosorption is an alternative to traditional physicochemical in removing toxic metals from wastewaters and groundwater resources. In this study biosorption of lead and chromium ions from solution was studied using Bacillus circulans isolated from Anzali wetland in batch and biofilter modes and optimum conditions were determined. The experimental results showed 900-950 mg/L and 1050-1100 mg/L, for minimum bactericidal concentration and minimum inhibitory concenteration for lead and chromium, respectively. Results of metal concentration in solution containing 500 mg/L in batch culture showed a reduction about 65% and 48% in five and four days for lead and chromium, respectively. The highest value of lead and chromium uptake in solution with 500 mg/L was 78% and 40% in biofilter mode, respectively. The biosorption of lead and chromium were increased up to pH=5.5, 6, 5.5 and 7, respectively. In the other hand, maximum sorption occurred at neutral pH. There was a significant decreasing of biosorption levels by lowering pH fewer than 3. Accumulation of lead and chromium was determined by scanning electron microscopy analysis of the biofilm exposed to 500 mg/L metal concentration. Based on this analysis, the highest metal concentrations were observed in regions with including bacteria