Ceramics-Silikáty (Jul 2016)
DEVELOPMENT OF NANO MULLITE BASED MESOPOROUS SILICA BIOCER WITH INCORPORATED BACTERIA FOR ARSENIC REMEDIATION
Abstract
Nanomullite based silica matrix was employed to entrap an arsenic(As(V)) degrading bacteria using sol-gel process. The bacteria were cultured in arsenic environment in their sub-MIC concentration to acclimatize and direct them to utilize arsenic. The matrix with and without microorganisms were characterized by FESEM and BET surface area. The bacteria remained 75% viable within the matrix as monitored up to 120 days. The enzymatic activity was also observed by fluorescein diacetate assay. The mullite assisted silica biocer provides a good material for bacteria entrapment preserving its metabolic activity therefore may be utilized as a possible candidate for arsenic remediation matrix.
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