scholarly journals Synthetic Biology-Based Approaches for Microalgal Bio-Removal of Heavy Metals From Wastewater Effluents

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pachara Sattayawat ◽  
Ian S. Yunus ◽  
Nuttapol Noirungsee ◽  
Nilita Mukjang ◽  
Wasu Pathom-Aree ◽  
...  

Heavy metal polluted wastewater from industries is currently one of the major environmental concerns leading to insufficient supply of clean water. Several strategies have been implemented to overcome this challenge including the use of microalgae as heavy metal bio-removers. However, there are still limitations that prevent microalgae to function optimally. Synthetic biology is a new biological discipline developed to solve challenging problems via bioengineering approaches. To date, synthetic biology has no universally affirmed definitions; however, it is uncontroversial that synthetic biology utilizes a constructive library of genetic standardized parts to create new biological systems or to redesign existing ones with improved characteristics. In this mini-review, we present state-of-the-art synthetic biology-based approaches that can be used to enhance heavy metal bio-removal from wastewater effluents by microalgae with a narrative synthetic biology workflow (Design-Build-Test-Learn cycle) to guide future developments of more advanced systems. We also provide insights into potent genes and proteins responsible for the bio-removal processes for stepwise developments of more advanced systems. A total of 49 unique genes and proteins are listed based on their eight heavy metals (Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb) bio-removal functions in transport system, cellular tolerance, synthesis of key players in heavy metal bio-removal, biotransformation of heavy metals, and gene expression regulation. Thus, with our library, genetic parts are ready to be recruited for any synthetic biology-based designs. Thereby, this mini-review identifies potential avenues of future research and maps opportunities to unleash more potential of microalgae as heavy metal bio-removers with synthetic biology.

Author(s):  
Harendra Kumar Sharma ◽  
Irfan Rashid Sofi ◽  
Khursheed Ahmad Wani

Heavy metal contamination in water is a serious concern to the environment and human health. High concentrations of heavy metals in the environment can be toxic to a variety of living species. Natural bio-absorbents are abundant and inexpensive and considered a waste if not managed properly. The role of bio-absorbents has been widely studied and has been utilized for the removal of heavy metals. The objective of the chapter is to search the database for different absorbents and their efficiency for the removal of heavy metals. Key words related to the study have been used to select different papers published by the researchers all over the world. A rigorous three-tier process has been utilized by the authors to select the papers from the database for the current study. This chapter has identified a few research gaps in the field of heavy metal removal by using different low cast absorbents that need to be taken into account in future research.


2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (7) ◽  
pp. 1695-1698
Author(s):  
Marin Rusanescu ◽  
Carmen Otilia Rusanescu ◽  
Gheorghe Voicu ◽  
Mihaela Begea

A calcium bentonite from Orasu Nou deposit (Satu Mare Romania) was used as raw material. We have conducted laboratory experiments to determine the influence of bentonite on the degree of heavy metal retention. It has been observed that the rate of retention increases as the heavy metal concentration decreases. Experimental studies have been carried out on metal retention ( Zn) in bentonite. In this paper, we realized laboratory experiments for determining the influence of metal (Zn) on the growth and development of two types of plants (Pelargonium domesticum and Kalanchoe) and the effect of bentonite on the absorption of pollutants. These flowers were planted in unpolluted soil, in heavy metal polluted soil and in heavy metal polluted soil to which bentonite was added to observe the positive effect of bentonite. It has been noticed that the flowers planted in unpolluted soil and polluted with heavy metals to which bentonite has been added, the flowers have flourished, the leaves are still green and the plants whose soils have been polluted with heavy metals began to dry after 6 days, three weeks have yellowish leaves and flowers have dried. Experiments have demonstrated the essential role of bentonite for the removal of heavy metals polluted soil.


2018 ◽  
Vol 77 (10) ◽  
pp. 2355-2368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khalida Naseem ◽  
Zahoor H. Farooqi ◽  
Muhammad Z. Ur Rehman ◽  
Muhammad A. Ur Rehman ◽  
Robina Begum ◽  
...  

Abstract This review is based on the adsorption characteristics of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) for removal of heavy metals from aqueous media. Different parameters like pH, temperature of the medium, sorghum concentration, sorghum particle size, contact time, stirring speed and heavy metal concentration control the adsorption efficiency of sorghum biomass for heavy metal ions. Sorghum biomass showed maximum efficiency for removal of heavy metal ions in the pH range of 5 to 6. It is an agricultural waste and is regarded as the cheapest biosorbent, having high adsorption capacity for heavy metals as compared to other reported adsorbents, for the treatment of heavy metal polluted wastewater. Adsorption of heavy metal ions onto sorghum biomass follows pseudo second order kinetics. Best fitted adsorption isotherm models for removal of heavy metal ions on sorghum biomass are Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models. Thermodynamic aspects of heavy metal ions adsorption onto sorghum biomass have also been elaborated in this review article. How adsorption efficiency of sorghum biomass can be improved by different physical and chemical treatments in future has also been elaborated. This review article will be highly useful for researchers working in the field of water treatment via biosorption processing. The quantitative demonstrated efficiency of sorghum biomass for various heavy metal ions has also been highlighted in different sections of this review article.


Author(s):  
Abimbola O. Aleshinloye ◽  
Kemayou Ngangsso ◽  
Feyisara B. Adaramola ◽  
Adebayo Onigbinde

This study investigated the potential of some agricultural wastes viz; African Star apple seed shell (ASS, plant source), crab shell (CS, animal source) and chicken egg shell (ES, animal source) as eco-friendly and low-cost biological materials for the removal of heavy metals from poultry wastewater. TS, TSS and TDS of the wastewater sample were assayed by filtration methods, chloride content by previously reported method and heavy metal contents (Zn, V, Cd, Fe, Ni, Cu, Co, Pb, Cr and Mn); were analyzed using Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer. The results of the solids and chloride contents of the poultry wastewater were TDS (3100 mg/L), TS (3700 mg/L), TSS (6000 mg/L) and chloride (4.7 g/L); all above the EPA permissible limits. Results of the FTIR analysis showed that ASS is an amide polymer while the CS and ES shells are mixtures of amide and carbonate polymers. Also, results of heavy metal analysis before and after adsorption showed that ASS caused removal of Zn, V, Fe, Cu, Co/ Pb and Mn by 48.27, 32.22, 49.64, 91.44, 100 and 82.39% respectively while Cd, Ni and Cr contents increased by 31, 61 and 48.3% respectively. CS showed removal of Fe, Ni/ Co/ Cr, Pb and Mn by 89.64, 100, 3.51 and 95.96% respectively while Zn, V, Cd and Cu contents increased by 1.7, 61.2, 76.1 and 68.1% respectively. Meanwhile, with ES, the contents of Zn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Cr and Mn increased by 31.56, 86.36, 100, 55.5, 45.80 and 90.33% respectively while the contents of V, Cd, Co and Pb decreased by 78.9, 86.7, 42.5 and 46.2% respectively. This study demonstrated the use of ASS, CS and ES as low- cost and eco-friendly agricultural wastes with significant potential for removal of heavy metals from wastewaters.


2019 ◽  
Vol 70 (17) ◽  
pp. 4477-4488 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura C Terrón-Camero ◽  
M Ángeles Peláez-Vico ◽  
Coral Del-Val ◽  
Luisa M Sandalio ◽  
María C Romero-Puertas

Abstract Anthropogenic activities, such as industrial processes, mining, and agriculture, lead to an increase in heavy metal concentrations in soil, water, and air. Given their stability in the environment, heavy metals are difficult to eliminate and can constitute a human health risk by entering the food chain through uptake by crop plants. An excess of heavy metals is toxic for plants, which have various mechanisms to prevent their accumulation. However, once metals enter the plant, oxidative damage sometimes occurs, which can lead to plant death. Initial production of nitric oxide (NO), which may play a role in plant perception, signalling, and stress acclimation, has been shown to protect against heavy metals. Very little is known about NO-dependent mechanisms downstream from signalling pathways in plant responses to heavy metal stress. In this review, using bioinformatic techniques, we analyse studies of the involvement of NO in plant responses to heavy metal stress, its possible role as a cytoprotective molecule, and its relationship with reactive oxygen species. Some conclusions are drawn and future research perspectives are outlined to further elucidate the signalling mechanisms underlying the role of NO in plant responses to heavy metal stress.


2001 ◽  
Vol 44 (10) ◽  
pp. 53-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. C. Aralp ◽  
A. Erdincler ◽  
T. T. Onay

Heavy metal concentration in sludge is one of the major obstacles for the application of sludge on land. There are various methods for the removal of heavy metals in sludge. Using sulfur oxidizing bacteria for microbiological removal of heavy metals from sludges is an outstanding option because of high metal solubilization rates and the low cost. In this study, bioleaching by indigenous sulfur oxidizing bacteria was applied to sludges generated from the co-treatment of municipal wastewater and leachate for the removal of selected heavy metals. Sulfur oxidizing bacteria were acclimated to activated sludge. The effect of the high organic content of leachate on the bioleaching process was investigated in four sets of sludges having different concentrations of leachate. Sludges in Sets A, B, C and D were obtained from co-treatment of wastewater and 3%, 5%, 7% and 10% (v/v) leachate respectively. The highest Cr, Ni and Fe solubilization was obtained from Set A. Sulfur oxidizing bacteria were totally inhibited in Set D that received the highest volume of leachate.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ismael Acosta-Rodríguez ◽  
Juan F. Cárdenas-González ◽  
Adriana S. Rodríguez Pérez ◽  
Juana Tovar Oviedo ◽  
Víctor M. Martínez-Juárez

The objective of this work was to study the resistance and removal capacity of heavy metals by the fungusAspergillus niger. We analyzed the resistance to some heavy metals by dry weight and plate: the fungus grew in 2000 ppm of zinc, lead, and mercury, 1200 and 1000 ppm of arsenic (III) and (VI), 800 ppm of fluor and cobalt, and least in cadmium (400 ppm). With respect to their potential of removal of heavy metals, this removal was achieved for zinc (100%), mercury (83.2%), fluor (83%), cobalt (71.4%), fairly silver (48%), and copper (37%). The ideal conditions for the removal of 100 mg/L of the heavy metals were 28°C, pH between 4.0 and 5.5, 100 ppm of heavy metal, and 1 g of fungal biomass.


2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 387-419 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renu ◽  
Madhu Agarwal ◽  
K. Singh

Heavy metals are discharged into water from various industries. They can be toxic or carcinogenic in nature and can cause severe problems for humans and aquatic ecosystems. Thus, the removal of heavy metals from wastewater is a serious problem. The adsorption process is widely used for the removal of heavy metals from wastewater because of its low cost, availability and eco-friendly nature. Both commercial adsorbents and bioadsorbents are used for the removal of heavy metals from wastewater, with high removal capacity. This review article aims to compile scattered information on the different adsorbents that are used for heavy metal removal and to provide information on the commercially available and natural bioadsorbents used for removal of chromium, cadmium and copper, in particular.


2014 ◽  
Vol 587-589 ◽  
pp. 816-819 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ning Chen ◽  
Su Chen ◽  
Lei Chao ◽  
Li Na Sun ◽  
Dong Mei Zheng ◽  
...  

In the recent years, antibiotics and heavy metals have become common pollutants in soil. Plant-microbial remediation is promising for the management of antibiotics and heavy metals pollution in soil. This paper talks about the mechanization of plant-microbial remediation, finds the advantages and disadvantages about plant-microbial technology, summarizes the method of selection of the plant and microbial, influential factors, and discusses the future research priorities of plant-microbial remediation.


2014 ◽  
Vol 1048 ◽  
pp. 373-377 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Xiao ◽  
Jian Can Hu ◽  
Wen Li Liu ◽  
Feng Ming Nie

Heavy metal pollution has raised a lot of concerns because of its bioaccumulation and non-degradability. A variety of methods have been applied in removal of heavy metals. This paper focused on the method of biosorption using biopolymer-based adsorbents in removing heavy metals from waster water. Cellulose and chitin/chitosan are abundant in supply and contain reactive functional groups. Cellulose-based adsorbents prepared from direct chemical modification or graft copolymerization are proved to show chelating ability to bind heavy metals. Chitin-and chitosan-based adsorbents have improved mechanical strength and better resistance to chemical conditions after physical or chemical modification. The regeneration and reusability of biopolymer-based adsorbents were also discussed in this paper.


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