Efficient Copper Biosorption by Rossellomorea sp. ZC255: Strain Characterization, Kinetic–Equilibrium Analysis, and Genomic Perspectives

Author: mycolabadmin
8/7/2025
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Summary

Scientists found that a bacterium called Rossellomorea sp. ZC255 can efficiently remove copper pollution from water. The strain works best at neutral pH and room temperature, achieving a removal capacity of 253.4 mg of copper per gram of bacterial biomass. By studying the bacteria’s structure and genes, researchers discovered that the removal happens through both surface binding and internal accumulation mechanisms, making it a promising eco-friendly solution for treating polluted water.

Background

Heavy metal pollution, particularly copper contamination, poses significant threats to the ecological environment and human health. Conventional wastewater treatment methods have drawbacks including inconsistent efficiency, high costs, and secondary pollution. Biosorption using bacterial biomass has emerged as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative for heavy metal remediation.

Objective

This study investigated the copper removal characteristics and mechanisms of Rossellomorea sp. ZC255 strain, evaluating the effects of pH, temperature, and inoculum amount on biosorption capacity. The research aimed to characterize the biosorption process through kinetic and equilibrium analysis, surface characterization, and genomic analysis to identify genes involved in heavy metal resistance and copper removal.

Results

The maximum Cu(II) removal capacity was 253.4 mg/g biomass under optimal conditions (pH 7.0, 28°C, 2% inoculum). Biosorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetics, indicating chemisorption as the dominant mechanism. Both Langmuir and Freundlich models fit the adsorption data well. SEM revealed significant cell surface deformations and floc formation, while FTIR identified multiple functional groups (-OH, -NH, -COOH, -CN) involved in metal binding. Genomic analysis identified genes associated with copper transport (copA, copB, copZ, cutC) and resistance to multiple heavy metals.

Conclusion

Rossellomorea sp. ZC255 demonstrated efficient copper biosorption through both extracellular and intracellular mechanisms. The strain’s genomic arsenal of heavy metal resistance and transport genes supports its multi-mechanistic biosorption capacity. The mild optimal conditions (pH 7.0, 28°C) and high removal capacity make this strain a promising biosorbent for cost-effective and eco-friendly copper bioremediation in wastewater treatment applications.

Published in:Microorganisms,
Study Type:Experimental Research,
Source: PMID: 40871344, DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13081839