Alternative use of the hydrogel 3005K4® copolymer with ligninolytic enzymes for treating contaminated soil

Abstract

In this study, we found that a copolymer of acrylamide and potassium acrylate (Hydrogel 3005K4®) in two particle sizes (1-2 mm and 2-4 mm) could absorb conditioned Galhaup media recovered from Trametes versicolor growth containing ligninolytic enzymes. It was found that the most efficient absorption capacity of the copolymer in the presence of the conditioned medium was using a 0.2:10 weight/volume (w/v) copolymer-conditioned medium ratio for both particle sizes. This ratio is a quarter of its absorption capacity in distilled water. A different desorption behavior of the medium was also observed, depending on whether the copolymer was exposed to the soil, water, or air. The ligninolytic enzyme media absorbed by the Hydrogel 3005K4® showed slower desorption of conditioned medium in soil for 10 days and faster desorption in air and water between 24 and 72 h. The enzymes were capable to preserve the activity after absorption. The versatility of this vector holding the enzymes may be attractive for reduce the presence of organic compounds (pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, synthetic and natural dyes) on soil as part of a bioremediation technique, with a possibility of being reused.