Bifunctional lanthanum phosphate substrates as novel adsorbents and biocatalyst supports for perchlorate removal.

Porous lanthanum phosphate substrates, obtained by an environmentally benign colloidal forming process employing methyl cellulose, are reported here as excellent adsorbents of perchlorate with >98% efficiency and with 100% reusability. Additionally, the effectiveness of such substrates as biocatalyst supports that facilitate biofilm formation of perchlorate reducing microbes (Serratia marcescens NIIST 5) is also demonstrated for the first time. The adsorption of perchlorate ions is attributed to the pore structure of lanthanum phosphate substrate and the microbial attachment is primarily ascribed to its intrinsic hydrophobic property.

Phytoremediation of perchlorate by free floating macrophytes.

Phytoremediation of perchlorate by free floating macrophytes (Eichornia, Pistia, Salvinia and Lemna) was evaluated in this study. Among the plants tested, Pistia showed 63.8 ± 4% (w/v) removal of 5 mg/L level perchlorate in 7 days, whereas the removal was absent in other plants.

Perchlorate reduction by an isolated Serratia marcescens strain under high salt and extreme pH.

An isolated Serratia marcescens strain exhibited growth-coupled perchlorate (ClO4 -) reduction under anoxic conditions. Perchlorate was reduced completely with stoichiometric chloride buildup and equimolar acetate consumption. Polymerase chain reaction confirmed the presence of pcrA and cld genes coding for key enzymes involved in the ClO4 - degradation pathway.

Degradation of triclosan under aerobic, anoxic, and anaerobic conditions.

Triclosan (2, 4, 4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxyl diphenyl ether) is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent present in a number of house hold consumables. Aerobic and anaerobic enrichment cultures tolerating triclosan were developed and 77 bacterial strains tolerating triclosan at different levels were isolated from different inoculum sources. Biodegradation of triclosan under aerobic, anoxic (denitrifying and sulphate reducing conditions), and anaerobic conditions was studied in batch cultures with isolated pure strains and enrichment consortium developed.