REMEDIATION OF HEAVY METALS FROM TANNERY EFFLUENTS AND ITS EFFECTS ON ENZYMATIC AND NON-ENZYMATIC ANTIOXIDANTS OF CYANOBACTERIA

Abstract

Cyanobacteria account for most of the biologically sequestered heavy metals in terrestrial as well as aquatic environments. Based on previous research of our lab and prevailing literature, Cyanobacteria’s ability to absorb and metabolize heavy metals can be associated with the presence of high-affinity metal binding groups on the cell surface and efficient metal uptake and storage systems. Our study dealt with the uptake of heavy metals dissolved in Tannery effluent by freshwater Cyanobacteria. Various microscopic and viability studies were performed along with studies on the effects of respective heavy metals on the non-enzymatic anti-oxidative pigments and anti-oxidative enzymes of Cyanobacteria. Maximum metal uptake was observed in case of Fe and Cr compared to Cd or Pb at different concentrati ons and conditions. The given study shows how freshwater Cyanobacteria are an economical, productive alternative of the prevailing remediation techniques for the remediation of heavy metals.