Pseudomonas stutzeri Immobilized Sawdust Biochar for Nickel Ion Removal

Abstract

Nickel ions generated from the electroplating industry and stainless steel and battery manufacturing industries contribute to water pollution, harm human health, and pose environmental risks. A long-term, sustainable, and efficient treatment method should be developed to address this issue. Bioremediation in the presence of biochar and microorganisms is a potential approach for metal ion abatement. This study evaluates the feasibility of Pseudomonas stutzeri immobilized sawdust biochar (PSDB) for Ni2+ removal. Sawdust biochar was prepared by pyrolyzing in a muffle furnace and was characterized using SEM, FTIR, and BET. The influence of biochar preparation parameters such as pyrolysis temperature, time on biochar yield, and impact on cell immobilization was investigated. The effect of various parameters, such as incubation time, pH, temperature, and biocatalyst dosage, was studied. The total Ni2+ in solution was analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. PSDB showed an 83% Ni2+ removal efficiency and reusability up to three cycles. FT-IR analysis revealed that the mechanism of Ni2+ removal by PSDB was the synergistic effect of adsorption by biochar and bioaccumulation by P. stutzeri. This study presents a novel approach for environmental application by utilizing waste biomass-derived biochar as a carrier support for bacteria and an adsorbent for pollutants.

Developing a biocatalyst showcasing the synergistic effect of rice husk biochar and bacterial cells for the removal of heavy metals

“…Immobilization of P. stutzeri was established by serial dilution and plating. 30,31 Furthermore, biochar having maximum immobilization efficiency was selected for heavy metal removal.…”

Effective Usage of Biochar and Microorganisms for the Removal of Heavy Metal Ions and Pesticides

“…The advantages of immobilizing cell systems onto carriers in the bioremediation of metal ions and pesticides are far superior to those of using biochar or free cells alone [ 134 ]. Pollutant transfer into the microbial community from the contaminated sites can be enhanced by immobilizing the microbial strains onto biochar.…”

“…Insoluble phosphate solubilization can be achieved via microbial phosphate solubilizers (PSB). Teng et al [ 134 ] observed that combining PSB and biochar improved Pb 2+ immobilization by forming a stable crystal texture on its surface. Zhang et al [ 139 ] used the PSB bacteria Pseudomonas chlororaphis for lead removal.…”