Separation of lead from aqueous phase by cucumber peel in column bioreactor: A phenomenon of interaction between biological and chemical system and its ecological importance.

This research work represents a holistic approach of separation of aqueous lead through dynamic adsorption on cucumber peel in fixed bed column bioreactor and highlights the biological perspective of mode of interaction between adsorbent and adsorbate. Additionally attempt has been made to elucidate the importance of this process in preservation of aquatic ecosystem. The study illustrates influence of design parameters, periodic surveillance of generated effluents, statistical and mathematical model analyses of results and desorption. The findings exhibited a direct association between quality of treated effluent and speed of the feed solution, feed concentration and height of the fixed bed. Lead removal percentage was at its best (99.25%) at 8 cm bed height, 20 mL min-1 (0.9 L h-1) flow rate and 50 mg L-1 feed concentration whereas adsorption capacity reached its peak (300.26 mg g-1) when feed concentration was doubled up to 100 mg L-1. Time bound monitoring confirmed concentration of lead in treated effluents remained within satisfactory level. Adsorbed lead was recovered up to ∼95%. Experimentation with actual industrial effluents demonstrated that lead removal percentage remained in the range of 99.97-99.46% and 99.96-99.17% up to the entire phase of bioreactor operation. In summation proper combination of design parameters of column bioreactor played important role in generating superior quality effluent, multiple reuse of the bioreactor bed was dependent on proper eluant treatment and practicability of the study was ascertained by its ability to maintain concentration of lead in actual industrial effluents within permissible limit for prolonged duration.

Evaluation of quantity and quality of chitosan produce from Rhizopus oryzae by utilizing food product processing waste whey and molasses.

Low cost whey salt medium (WSM) and molasses salt medium (MSM) have been constructed utilizing food processing byproduct whey and molasses for the production of bio-polysaccharide chitosan from Rhizopus oryzae and subsequently comprehensive physico-chemical characterization of the fungal chitosan has been carried out using various analytical tools to apprehend its biochemical utility. Same has been repeated with chitosan from conventional potato dextrose broth (PDB) for comparison purpose. The yields of chitosan in three different media were 0.62 (WSM), 0.39 (MSM) and 0.63 (PDB) g/L respectively. Molecular weights of the chitosans were in the range of 100-300 kDa. WSM-chitosan and MSM-chitosan were less polydispersed, possessed more hydrated polymorph and loose crystal packing than PDB-chitosan. This indicate that WSM-chitosan and MSM-chitosan are highly exposed to the external reagent hence more reactive to the external reagents with compare to PDB-chitosan. Literature suggest isolated chitosans are useful for specific drug delivery applications.

Adsorption of Lead on Lentil Husk in Fixed Bed Column Bioreactor.

This study depicts successful employment of fixed bed column bioreactor for adsorption of lead in continuous mode using lentil husk as sorbent. Design parameters considerably controlled the reactor performance, amongst which height of the fixed bed and flow rate were crucial in generating cleaner effluent. Adsorption capacity was found to shoot up to the level of 205.87 mg g-1 at 10 cm bed height, 100 mg L-1 feed concentration and 20 mL min-1 flow rate. Kinetic study done at regular intervals of time revealed high percentage removal of lead (99-96%) throughout entire span of reactor operation. Experimental data were well interpreted by Thomas model and Yoon-Nelson model. The reactor bed was regenerated after each adsorption and loaded metal was recovered up to the extent of ∼96%. The column reactor was efficient enough to treat lead containing actual industrial effluents.

A study on antifungal activity of water-soluble chitosan against Macrophomina phaseolina.

The objective of this study was to evaluate antifungal effect of water-soluble chitosan (s-chitosan) on Macrophomina phaseolina (M. phaseolina) causing jute seedling infection and monitor the change in activity of released enzymes during infection. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of s-chitosan for M. phaseolina was found at 12.5g/l and s-chitosan exhibited fungistatic mode of action against this pathogen. The application of s-chitosan (12.5g/l) during infection of jute seedlings by M. phaseolina inhibited fungal infection and length of the seedlings was found almost similar to seedlings without infection. M. phaseolina infected jute seedlings showed length of 22mm over 10 days of incubation and it increased to 58mm in presence of s-chitosan (12.5g/l) during incubation for 10 days. TEM study indicated presence of hyphae in the cortical and epidermal cells of fungus infected jute seedlings indicating colonization by the fungus and it disappeared after treatment with s-chitosan. The changes in enzyme profiles of jute seedling during prevention of fungal infection using s-chitosan helped in proper understanding of mode of action of s-chitosan as antifungal agent. The activity of defense related enzymes like chitosanase and peroxidase in infected seedlings was observed to be enhanced after treatment with s-chitosan.

Nano-silica fabricated with silver nanoparticles: antifouling adsorbent for efficient dye removal, effective water disinfection and biofouling control.

A nano-silica-AgNPs composite material is proposed as a novel antifouling adsorbent for cost-effective and ecofriendly water purification. Fabrication of well-dispersed AgNPs on the nano-silica surface, designated as NSAgNP, has been achieved through protein mediated reduction of silver ions at ambient temperature for development of sustainable nanotechnology. The coated proteins on AgNPs led to the formation of stable NSAgNP and protected the AgNPs from oxidation and other ions commonly present in water. The NSAgNP exhibited excellent dye adsorption capacity both in single and multicomponent systems, and demonstrated satisfactory tolerance against variations in pH and dye concentration. The adsorption mainly occurred through electrostatic interaction, though π-π interaction and pore diffusion also contributed to the process. Moreover, the NSAgNP showed long-term antibacterial activity against both planktonic cells and biofilms of Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antibacterial activity of AgNPs retarded the initial attachment of bacteria on NSAgNP and thus significantly improved the antifouling properties of the nanomaterial, which further inhibited biofilm formation. Scanning electron and fluorescence microscopic studies revealed that cell death occurred due to irreversible damage of the cell membrane upon electrostatic interaction of positively charged NSAgNP with the negatively charged bacterial cell membrane. The high adsorption capacity, reusability, good tolerance, removal of multicomponent dyes and E. coli from the simulated contaminated water and antifouling properties of NSAgNP will provide new opportunities to develop cost-effective and ecofriendly water purification processes.

Correlation between body size and fecundity in fish louse Argulus bengalensis Ramakrishna, 1951 (Crustacea: Branchiura).

The life history traits like fecundity and body size are useful predictors of life history strategies of organisms. The information on these aspects provided necessary input for control measures for ectoparasites. In view of this, the variations in the life history traits of the fish louse Argulus bengalensis Ramakrishna (1951) were assessed using age as an explanatory factor. The analyses revealed that the body weight (BW) is related to age in males as: y (BW) = 0.03 × (Age)-2.58: and in females as: y (BW) = 0.89 + 0.13x (Age). The body length and age relationship in males is observed as: y (BL) = 2.94 + 0.01x (Age) and in females as: y (BL) = 2.89 + 0.06x (Age). The degree of sexual dimorphism (DD) for BL is positively correlated (r = -0.358; df = 43; P < 0.001) with age while DD for BW is negatively correlated (r = -0.525; df = 43; P < 0.001) with age. The eggs/clutch remained between 02 and 43 for the 21st and 38th day old females. The fecundity as a function of age could be represented as: y (Eggs) = 1.62x (Age)-27.92. The increase in BW with age in female A. bengalensis favoured greater resource allocation for egg production, while in males it likely favours dispersal ability. Since body size and fecundity varied with age, the relative abundance and extent of infestation in fish host would vary with age composition of the population and recruitment of juveniles. The impacts of host specific variations on these features need to be tested further.

Silver-nano biohybride material: synthesis, characterization and application in water purification.

A green chemical synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) through in situ reduction of silver nitrate (AgNO(3)) by a fungal strain of Rhizopus oryzae is described along with the promising eco-friendly role of the synthesized nano-silver bioconjugate (NSBC) material in water purification process. The NSBC has been characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, high resolution transmission electron (HRTEM) microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The NSBC exhibits strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis and high adsorption capacity towards different organophosphorous pesticides. Fluorescence and electron microscopic images reveal NSBC binds on the bacterial cell wall, which cause irreversible membrane damage eventually leading to cell death. Proteomic analysis further demonstrates down regulation of protein expression, inhibition of cytosolic and membrane proteins and leakage of cellular content following binding of NSBC with bacterial cell wall. NSBC has been exploited to obtain potable water free from pathogens and pesticides in one step process.

Green pigment from Bacillus cereus M(1)(16) (MTCC 5521): production parameters and antibacterial activity.

A bacterial strain, Bacillus cereus M(1)(16) (MTCC 5521), isolated and identified in our laboratory produces a green pigment when grown in nutrient broth at stationary condition. Optimum fermentation parameters for maximum pigment production are pH 7.0, temperature 30°C, time of incubation 72 h and inoculum volume 1% from 20 h grown cell suspension. Magnesium ion enhances pigment production whereas calcium and zinc ions inhibit the process. The pigment is better extracted from the fermented broth with chloroform in comparison with diethyl ether, ethyl acetate, and butanol. The extracted crude pigment consists of three fractions as revealed from thin layer chromatogram on silica gel GF254 using ethyl acetate and hexane (1:1) solvent system. The major fraction C(3) shows antibacterial activity against different gram positive bacteria. The proposed structure of C(3) is 9-methyl-1,4,5,8-tetra-azaphenanthrene obtained by elemental analysis, GC-MS, and NMR spectra studies.

Adsorption profile of lead on Aspergillus versicolor: a mechanistic probing.

The adsorption of lead on Aspergillus versicolor biomass (AVB) has been investigated in aqueous solution with special reference to binding mechanism in order to explore the possibilities of the biomass to address environmental pollution. AVB, being the most potent of all the fungal biomasses tested, has been successfully employed for reducing the lead content of the effluents of battery industries to permissible limit (1.0 mg L(-1)) before discharging into waterbodies. The results establish that 1.0 g of the biomass adsorbs 45.0 mg of lead and the adsorption process is found to depend on the pH of the solution with an optimum at pH 5.0. The rate of adsorption of lead by AVB is very fast initially attaining equilibrium within 3h following pseudo second order rate model. The adsorption process can better be described by Redlich-Peterson isotherm model compared to other ones tested. Scanning electron micrograph demonstrates conspicuous changes in the surface morphology of the biomass as a result of lead adsorption. Zeta potential values, chemical modification of the functional groups and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy reveal that binding of lead on AVB occurs through complexation as well as electrostatic interaction.

Mechanistic studies on the binding of Acid Yellow 99 on coir pith.

The interaction of Acid Yellow 99 (AY 99) with coir pith has been investigated in aqueous medium to understand the mechanism of adsorption and explore the potentiality of this biomass towards controlling pollution resulting from textile dyes. The obtained results establish that one gram of coir pith can adsorb 442.13 mg of AY 99. The adsorption process is found to be a function of pH of the solution, the optimum pH value being 2.0. The process follows Langmuir-Freundlich dual isotherm model. Scanning electron microscopic analysis demonstrates that on dye adsorption the biomass develops uneven and irregular surface. X-ray diffraction study indicates incorporation of the dye into the micropores and macropores of the adsorbent and thereby enhancing its degree of crystallinity. The results of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and chemical modification of the functional groups establish that binding of AY 99 on coir pith occurs through electrostatic and complexation reaction.

Microbial synthesis of multishaped gold nanostructures.

The development of methodologies for the synthesis of nanoparticles of well-defined size and shape is a challenging one and constitutes an important area of research in nanotechnology. This Full Paper describes the controlled synthesis of multishaped gold nanoparticles at room temperature utilizing a simple, green chemical method by the interaction of chloroauric acid (HAuCl4 x 3H20) and cell-free extract of the fungal strain Rhizopus oryzae. The cell-free extract functions as a reducing, shape-directing, as well as stabilizing, agent. Different shapes of gold nanocrystals, for example, triangular, hexagonal, pentagonal, spherical, spheroidal, urchinlike, two-dimensional nanowires, and nanorods, are generated by manipulating key growth parameters, such as gold ion concentration, solution pH, and reaction time. The synthesized nanostructures are characterized by UV/Vis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis studies. Electron diffraction patterns reveal the crystalline nature of the nanoparticles and a probable mechanism is proposed for the formation of the different structural entities.

Beta-D-galactosidase from Enterobacter cloacae: production and some physicochemical properties.

A bacterial strain isolated from soil and identified as Enterobacter cloacae had been found to be capable of producing both intra and extracellular beta-D: -galactosidase.The intracellular enzyme was thermostable and its optimum temperature, pH and time for enzyme-substrate reaction were found to be 50 degrees C, 9.0 and 5 min respectively, using ONPG as substrate. The maximum beta-galactosidase production in shake flask was achieved at 30 degrees C, pH 7.0, incubation time 72 h using 50 ml medium in 250 ml Erlenmeyer flask. Only Mg(2+) stimulated the activity of enzyme. Cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide showed stimulatory effect on catalytic activity of the enzyme whereas EDTA inhibited enzyme activity. The enzyme retained its activity upto 55 degrees C after incubating at that temperature for 1 h.The maximum activity of crude intracellular enzyme was 14.35 IU/mg of protein. The K (m) and V (max) values of beta-galactosidase using ONPG as substrate at 50 degrees C were 2.805 mM and 37.45 x 10(-3) mM/min/mg, respectively.

Interaction of malathion, an organophosphorus pesticide with Rhizopus oryzae biomass.

Adsorption of malathion on Rhizopus oryzae biomass (ROB) with special reference to binding mechanism has been described. ROB has been found to adsorb approximately 85% of malathion from its aqueous solution as against 47-68% by other fungal biomasses. Hydrogen ion concentration does not influence the adsorption of malathion by ROB which follows Langmuir-Freundlich dual equilibrium isotherm model (r(2)=0.998). Both physical and chemical interactions are responsible for binding of malathion on ROB. Scanning electron micrographs and EDXA spectra exhibit adsorption of the pesticide on cell surface of ROB. Studies with cell surface polysaccharides show that chitosan through its amine groups contributes largely in the adsorption of malathion. Extraction of lipids from ROB decreases its adsorption capacity to the extent of 36.37-94.02%, depending on the polarity of the solvent.

Adsorption behavior of lindane on Rhizopus oryzae biomass: physico-chemical studies.

Rhizopus oryzae biomass (ROB), depending on the age of the culture has been found to adsorb lindane, an organochloro pesticide from its aqueous solution to the extent of 63-90%. The adsorption process does not depend on the pH of the solution or incubation temperature and is very rapid during the first 15 min and reaches equilibrium within 60 min following pseudo-second-order rate model. The adsorption capacity of 1g ROB towards lindane is 107.5 microg as calculated from pseudo-second-order curve. The equilibrium isotherm data better fit to Freundlich (R=0.98) than Langmuir model (R=0.54). Removal of lipids from ROB with organic solvents reduces its adsorption capacity by 55-68% indicating the importance of hydrophobic interaction in the present adsorption process. SEM-EDX analysis reveals that lindane is adsorbed on the biomass. This study shows that ROB may be a good biosorbent for the removal of lindane from water.

Concurrent primary and secondary deuterium kinetic isotope effects in anilinolysis of O-aryl methyl phosphonochloridothioates.

The nucleophilic substitution reactions of Y-O-aryl methyl phosphonochloridothioates with substituted anilines (XC(6)H(4)NH(2)) and deuterated anilines (XC(6)H(4)ND(2)) are investigated kinetically in acetonitrile at 55.0 degrees C. The Hammett and Brønsted plots for substituent (X) variations in the nucleophiles are biphasic concave downwards with a break region between X = H and 4-Cl. The deuterium kinetic isotope effects (DKIEs) are primary normal (k(H)/k(D) = 1.03-1.30) for stronger nucleophiles (X = 4-MeO, 4-Me and H), and extremely large secondary inverse (k(H)/k(D) = 0.367-0.567) for weaker nucleophiles (X = 4-Cl, 3-Cl and 3-NO(2)). The cross-interaction constants are negative (rho(XY(H)) = -0.95 and rho(XY(D)) = -1.11) for stronger nucleophiles, while positive (rho(XY(H)) = +0.77 and rho(XY(D)) = +0.21) for weaker nucleophiles. These kinetic results indicate that the mechanism changes from a concerted process involving frontside nucleophilic attack for stronger nucleophiles to a stepwise process with a rate-limiting leaving group expulsion from the intermediate involving backside attack for weaker nucleophiles. A hydrogen-bonded, four-center-type transition state (TS) is suggested for a frontside attack, while a trigonal bipyramidal pentacoordinate TS is suggested for a backside attack. The unusually small DKIEs, as small as or equal to 0.4, for weaker nucleophiles seem to be ascribed to severe steric congestion in the TS.

Gold nanoparticles: microbial synthesis and application in water hygiene management.

A green chemical method to synthesize nanogold-bioconjugate and its eco-friendly promising role to purify contaminated waters has been described. Gold nanoparticles of 10 nm average diameter are produced on the surface of Rhizopus oryzae , a fungal strain, by in situ reduction of chloroauric acid (HAuCl(4)). The nanogold-bioconjugate (NGBC) showed strong adsorption capacity toward different organophosphorous pesticides. The EDXA study confirms adsorption of pesticides on the conjugate material surface. Morphological changes of the NGBC material after adsorption of organophosphorous pesticides were detected by atomic force micrographs. NGBC shows high antimicrobial activity against several Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria as well as the yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans . The treatment of microbial cells with NGBC caused rupture of cell membrane as revealed in scanning electron and fluorescence micrographs. These unique characteristics of NGBC have been successfully utilized to obtain potable water free from pathogens and pesticides in a single operation.

Biosorption of hexavalent chromium by Termitomyces clypeatus biomass: kinetics and transmission electron microscopic study.

Biosorption of Cr(+6) by Termitomyces clypeatus has been investigated involving kinetics, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) studies. Kinetics experiments reveal that the uptake of chromium by live cell involves initial rapid surface binding followed by relatively slow intracellular accumulation. Of the different chromate analogues tested, only sulfate ion reduces the uptake of chromium to the extent of approximately 30% indicating chromate ions accumulation into the cytoplasm using sulfate transport system. Metabolic inhibitors, e.g. N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, 2,4-ditrophenol and sodium azide inhibit chromate accumulation by approximately 30% in live cell. This indicates that accumulation of chromium into the cytoplasm occurs through the active transport system. TEM-EDXA analysis reveals that the chromium localizes in the cell wall and also in the cytoplasm. Reduction of chromate ions takes place by chromate reductase activity of cell-free extracts of T. clypeatus. FTIR study indicates that chromate ions accumulate into the cytoplasm and then reduced to less toxic Cr(+3) compounds.

Structural and nanomechanical properties of Termitomyces clypeatus cell wall and its interaction with chromium(VI).

Alterations of cell surface properties accompanying the complex life cycle of Termitomyces clypeatus have been monitored using atomic force microscopy (AFM). A new hyphae/mycelium is developed on cell division, and the cell wall of the mycelium undergoes a process of internal reorganization (or maturation) followed by morphological and chemical alterations. The changes of the surface ultrastructures during the growth process are correlated to the corresponding changes in relative viscoelasticity and rigidity of the cell wall by employing force spectroscopy. The cell wall rigidity and elasticity are found to be 0.34+/-0.02 N/m and 27.5+/-2.1 MPa, respectively, at the early logarithmic phase, on maturation increase to reach 0.81+/-0.08 N/m and 92.5+/-12 MPa, respectively, at the stationary phase, and thereafter decrease to 0.62+/-0.06 N/m and 61.6+/-6.6 MPa at the death phase. The alterations of the ultrastructural and nanomechanical properties of the cell surface as functions of growth phases affect the interaction involving chromium and T. clypeatus.

Adsorption behavior of mercury on functionalized aspergillus versicolor mycelia: atomic force microscopic study.

The adsorption characteristics of mercury on Aspergillus versicolor mycelia have been studied under varied environments. The mycelia are functionalized by carbon disulfide (CS(2)) treatment under alkaline conditions to examine the enhance uptake capacity and explore its potentiality in pollution control management. The functionalized A. versicolor mycelia have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDXA), attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR-IR), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) probing. SEM and AFM images exhibit the formation of nanoparticles on the mycelial surface. ATR-IR profile confirms the functionalization of the mycelia following chemical treatment. ATR-IR and EDXA results demonstrate the binding of the sulfur groups of the functionalized mycelia to the mercury and consequent formation metal sulfide. AFM study reveals that the mycelial surface is covered by a layer of densely packed domain like structures. Sectional analysis yields significant increase in average roughness (R(rms)) value (20.5 +/- 1.82 nm) compared to that of the pristine mycelia (4.56 +/- 0.82 nm). Surface rigidity (0.88 +/- 0.06 N/m) and elasticity (92.6 +/- 10.2 MPa) obtained from a force distance curve using finite element modeling are found to increase significantly with respect to the corresponding values of (0.65 +/- 0.05 N/m and 32.8 +/- 4.5 MPa) of the nonfunctionalized mycelia. The maximum mercury adsorption capacity of the functionalized mycelia is observed to be 256.5 mg/g in comparison to 80.71 mg/g for the pristine mycelia.

Influence of plant growth hormones on the growth of Mucor rouxii and chitosan production.

Supplementation of molasses-salt medium with plant growth hormones, viz., indoleacetic acid, indolebutyric acid, kinetin and gibberellic acid, increased chitosan production by Mucor rouxii as well as its growth at different optimum concentrations. The increase in yield of chitosan was found to range from 34% to 69% and mycelial growth from 12% to 17.4%. Gibberellic acid was the most potent in this respect. Sixty-nine percent more chitosan over the control could be obtained from 1l of the medium supplemented with 3mg gibberellic acid. Degree of acetylation of chitosan ( approximately 13%) was not changed due to addition of hormone in the medium but weight average molecular weight of chitosan increased by more than 50%. Thus, the plant growth hormones add a value to chitosan by increasing its molecular weight.