Title : Heavy metals bioremoval by lactobacillus acidophilus in milk as a green technology
Abstract:
Applying profitable microorganisms (yeast, algae and bacteria) is a green novel biotechnological method for removing harmful heavy metals from the environment. Accumulation of heavy metals in human body will cause some serious disorders and cancers. Some of the microorganisms are also able to decontaminate heavy metals from food and water. Probiotics are the potent microorganisms with many positive health effects on our bodies after consumption. Among various probiotics, Lactobacillus acidophilus is one of the most useful microorganisms in food industry especially milk and dairy products. Our research team has investigated the heavy metals bioremoval in milk by using Lactobacillus acidophilus. In this regard, L. acidophilus and initial heavy metals lead and cadmium (Pb and Cd) were added to milk and the biosorption process was monitored during four days after addition. Some variables, including exposure time, L. acidophilus concentration, and initial metals concentration were evaluated in the biosorption process. The highest lead and cadmium bioremoval yield of 80% and 75% were observed, respectively, at 1 × 1012 CFU of L. acidophilus in milk at the 4th day and the initial ion (Pb and Cd) concentration of 100 μg/L. L. acidophilus concentration, initial metal concentration, and exposure time were statistically significantly associated with heavy metals removal (p values ≤0.05). These findings provided further evidence for L. acidophilus as a natural powerful biosorbent for heavy metals removal from milk and a potentially safe and green tool for providing safe and healthy food supply.
Audience Takeaway Notes:
- Bioremoval process as a novel green technology for decontamination of food stuffs
- Lactobacillus acidophilus is a valuable bacteria applying for heavy metals biosorption from milk.
- In the optimum circumstance Pb and Cd biosorption efficiency is 80% and 70% respectively.
- Biomass dosage, initial Hg concentration and contact time are the three significant variables in this biosorption process.
