Sequestration of cobalt and nickel by biofilm forming bacteria isolated from spent nuclear fuel pool water
- Research
- Published:
Dr. Toleti Subba Rao
Professor, School of Arts and Sciences
Journey of Mr.Tolleti
A Fellow of The Academy of Sciences and the Society for Applied Biotechnology, Advancement of Electrochemical Science and Technology, Subba Rao teaches Biological Sciences at SaiU. He brings with him 34 years of experience at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Kalpakkam, in basic, applied, and molecular microbiology.
Education
- D.Sc. Biotechnology, Periyar University, Salem — 2020
- Ph.D. Marine Biotechnology and Biotechnology, Anna University, Chennai — 1999
- Post Doctoral Fellow, University of Applied Sciences Europe Iserlohn, Germany — 2002-2003
- M.Sc. Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izat Nagar, U.P — 1987
- B.Sc. (Hons) Osmania University, Hyderabad – 1984
Abstract
In the current study, six bacterial types, isolated from spent nuclear fuel (SNF) pool facility, were investigated for their ability to sequester heavy metals (cobalt and nickel). Biofilm formation by the six bacterial isolates, viz., Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus species, Staphylococcus arlettae, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus auricularis, and Chryseobacterium gleum, were assayed, and they were found to have significant biofilm forming property. Their biofilms were characterised using confocal scanning laser microscopy, and their potential to accumulate Co2+ and Ni2+ from bulk solutions was analysed with respect to time. A comparative assessment of bioaccumulation capacity was done using biofilms, planktonic cells, and live vs dead cells. The strains accumulated Co2+ and Ni2+ in the range of 4 × 10−4 to 1 × 10−5 g/mg of cell biomass. It is interesting to note that dead biomass also showed significant removal of the two metal ions, suggesting an alternative process for metal removal. This study suggests that hostile environments can be a repertoire of putative bacterial species with potential heavy metals and other contaminants remediation properties.