Abstract
In the present study, the arsenic bioremediation ability of Bacillus licheniformis (dubbed as A6) was determined. The strain was isolated from metal polluted wastewater and was identified on the basis of 16S rRNA sequence homology with accession number of KX 785,171. The bacterium showed resistance against multiple toxic heavy metals, and MIC against arsenic was 3000 µg/ml. Resistance of the bacterium against other toxic metal ions was 3000 µg/ml (Cr), 50 µg/ml (Hg), 1000 µg/ml (Mn), 4000 µg/ml (Se), 500 µg/ml (Pb), 100 µg/ml (Co), 70 µg/ml (Cd) and 100 µg/ml (Zn). The optimum growth temperature was 37 °C while pH was 7. The strain also showed resistance against commonly used antibiotics except ceftriaxone 30 µg and amoxicillin with clavulanic acid (2:1) 3 µg. B. licheniformis could oxidize arsenite into arsenate 86 and 98% after 48 and 96 h from the medium at optimum growth conditions. Due to its high oxidation potential, B. licheniformis can be used in the biological treatment of wastewater containing arsenic.
Highlights
Arsenic (As) falls in the category of metalloid and its toxicity is very high (Xiong et al 2006)
The discovery of arsenic goes to Albertus Magnus in 1250
Human beings are intoxicated by heavy metals through exposures, taking food, drinking water containing metals or metalloids (Tamás and Martinoia 2006)
Summary
Arsenic (As) falls in the category of metalloid and its toxicity is very high (Xiong et al 2006). It is a ubiquitous metal (Naureen and Rehman 2016). Its name is derived from “arsenikon” which means yellow color. There are three allotropic forms of arsenic named as yellow arsenic, gray arsenic and black arsenic. Heavy metals have a very toxic effect on human beings as well as their environment. Human beings are intoxicated by heavy metals through exposures, taking food, drinking water containing metals or metalloids (Tamás and Martinoia 2006). Having the potential role in physiological processes, living organisms require these metals as a cofactor for enzymes in biological pathways (Cummings et al 1999)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
