US EPA

363519 

Journal Article 

Heavy metal resistant Distigma proteus (Euglenophyta) isolated from industrial effluents and its possible role in bioremediation of contaminated wastewaters 

Rehman, A; Shakoori, FR; Shakoori, AR 

2007 

23 

6 

753-758 

The alga, Distigma proteus, isolated from industrial wastewater showed tolerance against Cd2+ (8.0 µg/ml), Cr6+ (12 µg/ml), Pb2+ (15 µg/ml) and Cu2+ (10 µg/ml). The metal ions slowed down the growth of the organism after 4-5 days of exposure. The reduction in cell population was 90% for Cu2+, 84% for Cd2+, 71% for Cr6+, and 63% for Pb2+ after 8 days of metal stress. The order of resistance to heavy metal, in terms of reduction in the cellular population, was Cu2+ > Cd2+ > Cr6+ > Pb2+. Chromium- and cadmium-processing capabilities of the alga were worked out for its potential use as a bioremediator of wastewater. The reduction in the amount of Cr6+ after 2, 4, 6 and 8 days of algal culture containing 5.0 µg Cr6+ ml-1 of culture medium was 77, 85, 92 and 97%, respectively. Distigma could also remove 48% Cd2+ after 2 days, 68% after 4 days, 80% after 6 days and 90% after 8 days from the medium. The heavy metal uptake ability of Distigma can be exploited for metal detoxification and environmental clean-up operations. 

bioremediation; cadmium; chromium; copper; detoxification; dissolved oxygen; exposure; heavy metals; industrial effluents; industrial wastes; lead; metal ions; metal tolerance; pH; pollutants; pollution; removal; resistance; tannery waste; temperature; toxic substances; uptake; waste management; waste water; waste water treatment; Pakistan; algae; Euglenida; South Asia; Asia; Developing Countries; Commonwealth of Nations; plants; aquatic plants; aquatic organisms; eukaryotes; Sarcomastigophora; Protozoa; invertebrates; animals; Distigma proteus; environmental pollution; hydrogen ion concentration; poisons; potential of hydrogen; Water Resources (PP200); Pollution and Degradation (PP600); Industrial Wastes and Effluents (XX400)