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Dual-function strategy: simultaneous biopolymer production and lead biosorption by Bacillus paramycoides in
Raghavendra Paduvari1, Roopashri Arekal2, Divyashree Mysore Somashekara3
1Department of Biotechnology, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India.
Biodegradation
|July 22, 2025
Summary
This study introduces Bacillus paramycoides for efficient lead biosorption from wastewater. This green process also enhances polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Bioremediation
Background:
- Conventional lead removal methods are costly and produce hazardous waste.
- Bioremediation using bacteria offers a sustainable and economical alternative.
- Integrating lead biosorption with valuable bioproducts like polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) can improve economic viability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of Bacillus paramycoides for simultaneous lead biosorption and PHA production.
- To evaluate the efficiency of lead removal and PHA yield under varying conditions.
- To establish an integrated, cost-effective bioremediation strategy.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of Bacillus paramycoides from lake water.
- Cultivation in mineral salt media with lead nitrate to assess lead biosorption capacity.
- Quantification of PHA production and its correlation with lead ion concentration and incubation time.
- Analysis of lead ion influence on PHA synthesis and bacterial cell response.
Main Results:
- Bacillus paramycoides demonstrated a high lead biosorption capacity of 423 mg/g biomass at 72 hours.
- The bacterium efficiently produced polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) using sucrose.
- Lead ions significantly enhanced PHA production up to 35.7% cell dry weight by inducing oxidative stress.
- PHA polymers effectively adsorbed lead ions, protecting bacterial cells from oxidative damage.
Conclusions:
- Bacillus paramycoides is a promising candidate for integrated lead bioremediation and PHA production.
- The combined process offers a novel, sustainable, and economically viable approach for wastewater treatment.
- This study presents the first report of an integrated lead biosorption and PHA production system in bacteria.
