Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Prospecting Microbial Strains for Bioremediation and Probiotics Development for Metaorganism Research and Preservation
Published on: October 31, 2019
Rare earth elements removal by microbial biosorption: a review
Y Andrès1, A C Texier, P Le Cloirec
1Ecole des Mines de Nantes, GEPEA, UMR-CNRS 6144, BP 20722, 44 307 Nantes Cedex 3, France.
Abstract:
This paper reviews published work on the sorption of rare earth elements by microbial biomass. In a first part, the biosorption capacities and the various experimental conditions performed in batch reactor experiments are compared. Secondly, sorption modelling generally used in biosorption studies are described. Thirdly, the microbial cell wall characteristics of the metallic ion binding sites are considered. From these observations it seems that the important functional groups for metallic ion fixation are the carboxyl and the phosphate moieties. Moreover, the competing effect of various ions like aluminium, iron, glutamate, sulphate etc. is described. Finally, some adsorption results of the rare earth elements in dynamic reactors are presented.
Related Concept Videos
Bioremediation
Microbes and Other Elemental Cycles
Microbial Bioremediation of Uranium
Microbial Bioremediation of Hydrocarbons
Microbial Leaching
Microbial Wastewater Treatment

