Removal of Anionic Metalloid/Metals by PEI-Modified Corynebacterium glutamicum

Abstract

An anionic biosorbent was derived from an industrial fermentation biowate, Corynebacterium glutamicum, by being cross-linked with polyethylenimine (PEI). A fiber form of the biosorbent was used to examine its potentiality of removing anionic metals such as As (V), Cr (VI) and Mn (VII) in aqueous system. As (V) and Cr (VI) were efficiently removed by the biosorbent through anionic adsorption mechanism. Sulfate ion seriously inhibited adsorption of the anionic metals through competitive inhibition with respect to the binding site of the biosorbent. In the case of Mn (VII), its removal mechanism by the biosorbent was not anionic adsorption. Mn (VII) was completely removed in aqueous phase, meanwhile, Mn (II) appeared and increased in proportion to the Mn (VII) depletion. As a result, adsorption coupled reduction was chosen as the mechanism of Mn (VII) removal by the biosorbent. In conclusion, the anionic biosorbent could be used to remove various anionic metals from aqueous solution through anionic adsorption or reduction mechanism.