Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the Cd2+ removal capacity of a biosorbent system formed by Saccharomyces cerevisiae in calcium alginate beads. The adsorption of Cd2+ by a S. cerevisiae–alginate system was tested either by batch or fixed-bed column experiments. The S. cerevisiae–alginate system was characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS, zeta potential), size, hardness, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Beads of the S. cerevisiae–alginate system showed a spherical–elliptical morphology, diameter of 1.62 ± 0.02 mm, 96% moisture, negative surface charge (−29.3 ± 2.57 mV), and texture stability during storage at 4 °C for 20 days. In batch conditions, the system adsorbed 4.3 µg of Cd2+/g of yeast–alginate beads, using a Cd2+ initial concentration of 5 mg/L. Adsorption capacity increased to 15.4 µg/g in a fixed-bed column system, removing 83% of total Cd2+. In conclusion, the yeast–alginate system is an efficient option for the removal of cadmium at low concentrations in drinking water.
Highlights
Cadmium (Cd2+ ) is an extremely toxic and environmental persistent heavy metal
Long-term exposure to low concentrations of Cd2+ may imply chronic intoxication strongly associated with irreversible damage in the liver, kidneys, lungs, bones, and reproductive system [1]
Cadmium and cadmium-containing substances are classified as carcinogens by regulatory agencies in the world [2,3,4]
Summary
Cadmium (Cd2+ ) is an extremely toxic and environmental persistent heavy metal. Long-term exposure to low concentrations of Cd2+ may imply chronic intoxication strongly associated with irreversible damage in the liver, kidneys, lungs, bones, and reproductive system [1]. Cadmium may pollute the aquatic environment from a variety of industrial water discharges that include electroplating, pigments, and battery production wastes, as well as process waters from smelters, and iron and steel plants. The largest contributors to cadmium water contamination are fertilizers produced from phosphate ores, concentrate processing waters from mines, and leakages from mine tailings [2,5]. Cadmium may be found in drinking water supplies as a result of damage and deterioration of galvanized plumbing systems [2,6]. In order to reduce Cd2+ exposure in the general population, control of the discharge of contaminants to the environment, management and treatment of wastewaters from the metallurgic industry should be applied [7]. Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories; USEPA: Washington, DC, USA, 2018. A comprehensive review on Cd(II) removal from aqueous solution
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