Bioremediation of toxic metals in mining site of Zamfara metropolis using resident bacteria (Pantoea agglomerans): A optimization approach

BACKGROUND: Various clean-up techniques for heavy metals have been suggested and practiced for its biosorption from the contaminated or pollutant soil by using chemical and physical methods. But most of the methods are hazardous to the environment and expensive. This study was on how to determine the potential of resident bacteria in the removal of heavy metals from contaminated soils in Abare situated in Anka Local Government of Zamfara State, Nigeria. Thus, this study employed bioremediation technique for removal of heavy metals. RESULTS: The preparation of Culture media and Isolation of bacteria of the different contaminated soils were achieved by spread plate method. Whereas, concentrations of the heavy metals (Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu) and Iron (Fe)) were determined by Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS. Pantoea agglomerans was used for biosorption experiment. The concentrations of Pb ranged between 1.328 ± 0.493 to 2.326 ± 2.093 mg/L, Cu 0.234 ± 0.117 to 1.054 ± 1.486 mg/L and Fe 18.498 ± 11.462 to 27.754 ± 57.510 mg/L. The optimum temperature for biosorption condition was found to be 35 °C. More so, the optimum pH of (7) was observed for maximum biosorption of Pb and Cu ions by Pantoea agglomerans which may be attributed to homeostatic phenomenon and the availability of metal binding sites on the biosorbents. Metal uptake biosorption percentage revealed that Pantoea agglomerans absorbed 99.6% of Pb, 60% of Cu and 96% of Fe. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that Pantoea agglomerans potential for bioremediation of the three metals.