Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The objective of this present investigation is focused to determine metal tolerating capacity and bio-sorption capacity of two microbial isolates i.e. Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Bacillus subtilis. Method/Statistical Analysis:Bioremediation is a process which involves all methods and action for reduction of environmental pollutants with the help of biological entities. Microbial cultures were maintained and scaled up using sterile techniques. Metal tolerance test was done by using MIC test. Findings: Presence of heavy metals in the mentioned species was confirmed by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. The results of biosorption studies explains that B. subtilis was most efficient in the removal of Hg2+ and Cd 2+ from the contaminated soil. After 5 days Bacillus subtilis immersed 75.76% while S. cerevisiae immersed 69.56% Cd 2+ from contaminated soil. And even after 5 days Saccharomyces cerevisiae was able to accumulate 19.5 % Hg2+ while 29.9 % Hg2+ was absorbed by Bacillus subtilis from contaminated soil. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was able to accumulate 92.68% of Cd 2+ and 90.48% of Hg2+ from contaminated soil after 21 days of incubation. Applications/ Improvements: Metal remediation through common physio-chemical techniques is expensive and unsuitable in treating large contaminated area effectively. Bioremediation offers a promising means to reclaim such contaminated soil in an economical and eco-friendly way. Furthermore, we are working on remediation of heavy metals in soil and water through Nanomaterials which is sought to be more promising technique for remediation in years to come.

Keywords: Bacillus Subtilis, Bioremediation, Biosorption, Heavy metals, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, Soil Pollution