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Ni2+ and Cd2+ Biosorption Capacity and Redox-Mediated Toxicity Reduction in Bacterial Strains from Highly Contaminated Soils of Uzbekistan

Summary

Researchers in Uzbekistan discovered three types of bacteria that can remove dangerous heavy metals like cadmium and nickel from contaminated soil. These bacteria work by clinging to the metal particles on their surfaces and even chemically transforming them into less harmful forms. The study found that these bacteria work best at neutral pH and warmer temperatures, making them promising candidates for cleaning up polluted environments naturally and affordably.

Background

Heavy metal pollution, particularly nickel and cadmium, poses significant environmental and health risks. Soils in Uzbekistan show elevated levels of these metals due to pesticide and mineral fertilizer contamination. Bioremediation using metal-resistant bacteria offers an ecologically compatible and cost-effective alternative to traditional remediation methods.

Objective

To isolate and characterize Ni2+ and Cd2+ resistant bacterial strains from contaminated Uzbek soils and evaluate their biosorption capacity and detoxification mechanisms under various environmental conditions including pH, temperature, incubation time, and biomass concentration.

Results

All three strains demonstrated pH-dependent biosorption with optimal capacity at pH 7.0 and 40°C, reaching up to 85% removal for Cd2+. E. ludwigii 11Uz uniquely transformed both Ni2+ and Cd2+ to less toxic forms, while P. aeruginosa 18 and E. cloacae Uz_5 reduced only Ni2+ toxicity. Cysteine synthesis was confirmed as a detoxification mechanism for Cd2+.

Conclusion

The three bacterial strains show significant potential for bioremediation of Ni2+ and Cd2+ contaminated environments through combined biosorption and redox-mediated detoxification. E. ludwigii 11Uz proved most effective due to its dual capacity to biosorb and chemically transform both metals into less toxic forms, making these strains viable candidates for practical bioremediation applications.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/microorganisms13071485, PMC12300462, PMID: 40731995
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